Gertrude Patterson

Gertrude Patterson (97) longtime resident of, Schiller Park, IL died peacefully on, July 1, 2018. She was born at home on December 25, 1920 in Niles, IL to Joseph and Anna Hoppe. Gertrude was married to her beloved husband William (Bill), for 71 years and had two children. Gertrude (Trudy) was the oldest daughter in a large family with four brothers and four sisters. Being close with her family influenced the way she made loving relationships with everyone in her life. She was deeply religious and devoted to her faith, had a generous spirit, loved people, was charitable and always had a sunny disposition. She met her husband Bill at work at Western Electric. Although she was reluctant, Bill was persistent. He always found a reason to talk to her, frequently bringing her gifts of chocolates. After many dates, chaperoned by her older brothers, they were married in 1947. Love and music filled their house. They left each other notes and addressed every card “to my dearest darling sweetheart”. They danced in the living room. She sang throughout the day and played the piano, organ and the Hawaiian steel-guitar. In her early years, Gertrude once performed live on a local Chicago radio program with her Hawaiian steel-guitar. Gertrude was an avid gardener. She loved flowers and creating her own topiary. Her other interests included baking and arts and crafts of every sort. The place she loved the most was Hawaii. She loved the lush tropical flora, the music, and beautiful ambience of the islands. Gertrude was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her son Kevin Patterson, grandson Michael Patterson, her brother Kenneth (Jean) Hoppe, sisters Jean (Chuck) Bryda, Loretta Liveris, Ursula Gorny, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband William Patterson, son Brian Patterson, her brothers Herbert Hoppe, Norbert “Norby” Hoppe, Romuald “Roy” Hoppe and her sister Rita Kivlehan. Gertrude has requested your prayers instead of flowers. Visitation Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Info 708-456-8300 or www.cumberlandchapels.com.