Mary Kathryn Passafiume

Age 80, of Braidwood, IL passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Born on May 4, 1942 in Joliet, IL to the late Margaret (nee Perino) and William Pearson. She married the love of her life and best friend, James Leo Passafiume, Jr. on May 12, 1967 in Joliet. Together they made their home and raised their six children and many beloved dogs in Braidwood, where she was a lifelong resident. In September of 1970, Mary Kay became the mother of the first surviving triplets to be born at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Joliet, IL. This was not only a major blessing for their family, but also brought a tremendous outreach of support from the members of their parish, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Braidwood, as well as the surrounding communities to help Mary Kay and James welcome these three babies into their home. She grew up playing cards, making homemade ravioli and baking with her many cousins who also lived in the area. Mary Kay was an avid reader and loved doing word searches. In her favorite season, summer, she could be found at the Braidwood Recreation Club enjoying the sun and sand. She was a wonderful mother, but she was born to be a grandmother. The “late into the night” games of Yatzee and Rummy will be fondly remembered by all her grandchildren. She was the best, most caring, spoiling, and loving grandmother anyone could be blessed to have. Anything that enabled her to be with her family is what she loved most. In her later years, she enjoyed playing the slot machines with her husband. All who knew her will remember her with a smile the next time they have a strawberry milkshake, a McDonald’s Diet Coke or a seasonal Little Debbie’s snowball and when they hear an Elvis song! She will be greatly missed and always loved beyond words. Surviving is her husband, James, Three daughters Jill (Michael) Panko of Cary, IL, and their children Michael Jr, Matthew (Maxine), Sarah (Matt) Neumann, Rachel and Francis, Mary (Craig) Farrell of WA and their children Anthony (Natasha) and Charles, Sylvia Johnson of Braidwood, IL and son Blake. Three sons, John of Channahon, IL and children Jessica (Patrick) and Hope, James (Amanda) of Channahon, IL and children Brayden (Marie) and Joshua, and Paul (Nicole Medina) of Plainfield, IL. Also surviving are six great grandchildren, sister in law, Anna Pearson, special niece Lisa Novy and her daughter, Madison. Preceding her in death were her parents, mother in law Mary Berta, brother William Pearson, sister Betty Ann Majesky, daughter-in-law Lois Passafiume and brother-in-law Jasper Thompson. The visitation will be at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 3-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood. Interment will follow at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Braceville. Memorial donations may be directed to The Giving Door or Uplifted Care.

Mary Kathryn Passafiume

May 4, 1942 - April 4, 2023

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Mary Kathryn Passafiume

May 4, 1942 - April 4, 2023

What We Do

Local Florists

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About Us

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