Patricia Rakausky passed away Dec. 4, 2025, surrounded by family, just days before her 84th birthday. Born of Lithuanian immigrant parents on Dec. 12, 1941, she embraced her Lithuanian heritage. Her life was defined by creativity, kindness, honest candor, and deep devotion to her relatives and friends. Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Susie Rakausky; father Joseph Rakausky; sisterRita Delanois; daughter Catherine Hawes; granddaughter Stephanie Catherine Sherry; and niece Linda (Liggett) Delanois.
She is survived by her daughter, Jo Anne Sherry (David); and cherished nieces and nephews, including Ken Delanois, Barbara Delanois, Karyn Delanois and Jain Delanois, including several others.
Growing up next door to one another, they built special bonds that endured throughout her life and hold close the joyful memories and meaningful times they shared together.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 2 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 231 N. State St., Westville, Illinois. Interment of ashes will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, 11708 1670 East Road, Westville, Illinois.
Contributions in her honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Schlarman High School, and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Patricia will be remembered for her creativity, her warmth, her unwavering and unconditional love, and the sparkle she brought to every stage and gathering. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the traditions she crafted, and the family and friends who were blessed to know her. For those who knew her during different phases of her life, Patricia was also known by the marital last names Hawes (John), Dickman (James) and Thomas (Larry).
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