Obituary of Virginia Louise Patten

Virginia Louise Patten (nee Smith), passed away peacefully, on May 26, 2023, at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, after bravely battling an autoimmune condition.   Virginia  “Ginger”, to her friends and family , was with family and very close friends when she passed.  Ginger was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 3, 1947, to the late Fred and Helen (Demling) Smith.  She spent her early childhood in Arlington Heights, but she then moved to Hampshire, IL, where she graduated from Hampshire High School in 1965.  Following high school graduation, Ginger remained in the Chicago area and worked for Commonwealth Edison.  Then, in 1982, she and George E. Patten, Jr. wed. George and Ginger relocated to Joliet, where they were surrounded by dear friends and kind neighbors.  Ginger was incredibly kind and generous, and she was a great friend to many. 

She also loved to spend time visiting her family.  Ginger was a history buff, and avid reader, and she collected rare items that others might overlook.  Later in her life, Ginger was able to pursue one of her great passions, travel.  She journeyed throughout the United States and to Europe with her closest friends, and she visited Ireland with her nephew in 2006.  Following her retirement, Ginger enjoyed volunteering.  She cherished the time she spent with the children at Richland, a local elementary school, and with the pups at Guardian Angel Basset Rescue. 

Virginia is survived by her brother, David Smith; her nieces, Betsy Warner and Anne Plesh; and her nephew, Fred Smith. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; and her brother, Fredric H. Smith, Jr. 

A celebration of Ginger’s life will take place later this year. As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded. 

For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.