Patricia Brooks

Born Patricia Anne Olson to Maurice Edward Olson and Frances Mae Hoy on November 29, 1943. Pat passed away at home on the morning of January 14, 2022. Pat or “Patti” as friends called her, came from modest upbringing and knew that hard work and determination was the opus to get the necessities in life nothing is given as was the time then.
Pat attended Auburn High School while she car hopped, worked in a dry cleaner and always had more than one job.
Pat was hired in 1966 at W.A. Whitney and worked there for the next 41 years. She was adopted by the Whitney family and tutored and nurtured the ones after her. She started in the mail room and worked her way to assistant treasurer when retiring. While at Whitney, she loved softball, bowling and other company related gatherings. Pat was a true professional and expected the same from everyone around her. There was the right way of doing things, then there was Pat’s way and the latter was always the best.
Pat traveled for work to countries including Mexico, Canada, Italy, France and visiting friends along the way. Pat traveled with her son and grandkids to Disney and Universal Studios and was always the best part of any vacation. Pat enjoyed gardening, lawn work, flowers, bird watching, home time and the retirement to enjoy more of it.
Pat was never the nail in life but the largest hammer in correcting people in business, sexism, race, and life. Pat was always quick with a saying, favorites were, “someday you get the bear, somedays the bear gets you.” Another one was “time is the most valuable thing there is, because you only have so much of it.” Pat made the best of her time and those who knew her or spent time with her held valuable time.
Pat is survived by her son; James, grandchildren; Chris, Nate, sisters; Jerry, Judy, brother-in-law; Lee, special niece; Serina and many friends worldwide. She is predeceased by her parents, brother; Maurice Jr., Bobby and sisters; Rita and Cindy. A Celebration of Pat's Life will be held on March 6, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Blackhawk Athletic Club, 2023 Broadway Rockford, IL 61104. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory.