Obituary of Patricia Carney

Patricia Rose (nee Cleary) Carney, 87, died at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center on May 6, 2014, from natural causes. Born June 18, 1926, in Peoria, IL, to Harold and Cecilia Cleary, Patricia attended the Academy of Our Lady High School and graduated from Bradley University (1948) where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She later pursued graduate studies in Social Work at Loyola University in Chicago, and worked for the American Red Cross. On December 22, 1951 at St. Mark's Church in Peoria, she married Lt. Col. John Francis Carney, MD, who proudly served during World War II and Korea. They later moved to Joliet, IL, where she resided until her death. Patricia was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church and other charitable organizations. Patricia will be especially remembered for her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and her devotion to Our Blessed Mother. Following her miraculous cure from Hodgkin's disease in her twenties, she led many to come to know the intercessory power of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Patricia joyfully shared the fruits of her Catholic faith with her six sons and twelve grandchildren. Patty enjoyed gazing out her window at the gentle glow of sunsets, the frenetic play of squirrels and raccoons, and the vibrant flowers encircling the family home on her "heavenly hill." She derived her greatest joy from spending time with her family. Watching her grandchildren participate in Irish dance, basketball and tennis energized her. Just one day prior to her passing, she witnessed her granddaughter Eileen's victory in a championship tennis match. She also will be remembered for her compassion which included multiple mission trips to Jamaica with her family, where a charitable dental clinic in her honor was established in 2005. Whomever she encountered was gently and profoundly touched by her caring smile and genuine interest. Some of her favorite quotations include: "Don't give it more time than it's worth," "Plans change," "Offer it up," "Bless it and release it," "Don't quit," "Stay sweet," "It never hurts to ask," To thine own self be true," "Rise above it," "I refuse to be ground down," "Onward and upward," and "It's an adventure and an experience." All of her communications to her sons closed with, "Your proud and thankful Mom." Her favorite Bible verse was, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Survivors include her sister, Ava (late Robert) Ossenbeck of Peoria; her sons, John Michael Carney, MD, of Little Rock, AR, Patrick (Deborah) Carney, MD, of Medina, MN, Brian (Darena) Carney of Ft. Worth, TX, Paul Carney of Underwood, MN, James (Susan) Carney, DDS, of Naperville, IL, and the Honorable Thomas (Anne) Carney of Joliet, IL; and twelve grandchildren. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Carney, her mother, Cecilia Cleary (Render), and her father, Harold Cleary. The family would like to thank the friends, extended family and medical professionals who have shared their prayers, support and love. Memorial Services for Patricia Carney will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet. Memorials in her name to the National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (cabrinishrinechicago.com), Christian Dental Society Jamaica Mission (christiandentalsociety.org) or Missionaries of the Poor (missionariesofthepoor.org) would be appreciated. Visitation will be held Monday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet and on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the church. For more information, (815) 741-5500