Patricia Marini

Patricia (Shea) Marini, 82, of Peru passed away October 3, 2024, with her family by her side.

Mass of Christian burial will be 1:00 PM Friday, October 11, at St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with the Very Rev. Thomas Otto officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Friday from 12:00 PM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle has been entrusted with Pat’s arrangements. 

Pat was born in La Salle on August 14, 1942, to Selina (Bertrand) and John P. “Jack” Shea. She graduated from LP High School in 1960 and attended Oak Park Hospital School of Nursing before becoming a full-time homemaker. She married Joseph L. Marini on March 3, 1962, at St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle. 

Pat took her role as a high school football coach’s wife very seriously. She was always at the games (both home and away) and hosted epic after-game parties at the house on Joliet Street. Holidays are where Pat truly dazzled by making every occasion equally special and joyous. She took great pride in her Irish heritage and made the best corned beef and cabbage and many other fabulous dishes. Her children still talk about her green rice, strawberry dessert, and chicken cacciatore. 

Pat enjoyed vacationing with her family on Cape Cod, reading, and listening to music. Records were constantly playing in the house, particularly at full volume on early Saturday mornings. Above all, she loved her family fiercely and we love her more. Now and forever.

Pat is survived by her husband, Joseph of Peru and their children Mary Claire (Stuart) Duncan of Chesterfield, Missouri, Julie (Matt) Hughes of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, John Marini of Peru, and Jennifer Shea Marini (Jason Bacidore) of La Salle; six grandchildren Joseph (Courtney Voelkel), Claire, Jack, and Anna Duncan, and Finn and Rory Hughes, and one great grandchild Willow James Duncan; her sister Merrilyn Shea; three nieces Mary Jo (Kurt) Shelor, Laurie (Brett) Hansen, and Wendy (Bill) Faletti; and lifelong friends from St. Patrick’s School, Julie Brumley, Mary Beth Henneberry, and Jan Rogowski.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Mary (Venturi) and Joseph Marini, sisters-in-law Judith Bryan and Marilyn Reinsch, brother-in-law Stephen Reinsch, and niece Donna Bryan. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s choice.

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