Patience “Pat” Ruth Tressler (nee. Olson) was born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 7, 1943 and died in her home in Wheaton, Illinois on September 26, 2020. She was 77. Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie and Raymond Olson, sister Gloria Olson, son Chad Tressler and granddaughter Vanessa Hayes. Pat is survived by Jay, her loving husband of 54 years; daughter and son-in-law, Corrie and Wayne Hayes; grandchildren Olivia, Jackson (Taylor) and Natalie Hayes; daughter-in-law Caroline Sachay (Chad Tressler); brother Allan (Dallas) Olson; brother and sisters-in law David Tressler, Adele Davis, Dorothy Tressler; cousins, Barb Prince, Susie Eckersall, Ken Snow, and Bob Snow; nieces and nephews Beau (Lizzie) Davis, Dacia (Dave Bell) Davis; Megan, Taylor and Aaron Olson; and Richard Fulton. Pat, a flight attendant for United Airlines in the 1960s, had a lifelong love of travel instilled early on by her parents, and found wonder and beauty wherever she went. She encouraged this passion in her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews: whose trips and adventures delighted her as much as her own. Her travels with Jay were a highlight of her life and one of the things she said she would miss the most. Pat and Jay built a legacy through their marriage. They were true partners and the impact of their life together will ripple out for generations. Pat selflessly embraced her role as wife, mother and homemaker: recognizing the opportunity and knowing her worth as she created a launchpad for her husband, children and grandchildren. Her immediate family has no success that is not in some way tied to her contributions. Jay was the love of Pat’s life, and she his. Pat connected with women and built long lasting friendships through “Junior Women,” tennis, golf, quilting, Bible study, bridge clubs, gardening and book clubs. Pat was an avid reader and kept a list of books she had read. In her own life, even in chapters of devastating loss, Pat looked forward to whatever was coming next with eager anticipation and hope. She said “Life is messy. You get the good and the bad... and you just have to keep going.” As illness made remembering harder, Pat would repeat the things she loved most and reflect on how blessed she was. She chose to focus on her love for Jay, her family, friends, home, travels, yard…. a toasty English muffin loaded with butter…. and even a rainstorm (she loved a rainy day!) Her mind was continually set on that which is good. She fought hard, loved big, remained joyful and gave thanks till the end. She was funny, classy, steely determined, beautiful and kind. She had a motto: "Be Good, Be Smart and Be Nice to Everybody" - and she was. We miss her terribly. A friend sent this scripture today. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 We long to see her again. By faith, we believe we will. Until then, we wait with sorrow and hope. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More than anything we want to gather with friends and loved ones at this time, and restrictions associated with Covid require additional flexibility and creativity. See details and opportunities to connect with Pat's family and honor her memory below. VISITATION: Friday, October 9, 2020 Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Rd. Wheaton, IL 60187 Masks and social distancing are required. Illinois limits attendance to 50 persons in the building at any one time. A canopy and refreshment table will be set up outside (weather-permitting) for visitors to continue conversations and gather with friends and family. To accommodate as many people as possible, please consider the following schedule: VISITATION: Attire: The family will be wearing shades of blue to remember and celebrate Pat's beautiful eyes. We welcome you to join us. • 3:00 - 4:30 PM - Last name starts with A-M • 4:30 - 5:00 PM - Break for the family • 5:00 - 6:30 PM - Last name starts with N-Z CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, October 10, 2020 • In Person: Because of Covid restrictions, attendance will be by invitation only. • By Livestream: Livestream portion will begin around 12:30 pm. Join us here https://youtu.be/zFSwS_eOexY IN LIEU OF SENDING FLOWERS: Please take a moment to learn about the following charities and consider making a donation in Pat's honor. • Living Well Cancer Resource Center, part of Northwestern Medicine https://livingwellcrc.org/ • Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/brain-tumor/ • Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans https://www.helpaveteran.org/services (If you wish, direct donations to benefit Tammy's Trace, a home for formerly homeless female veterans since 2015. This home for women was the Tressler's first family home in Wheaton years ago. When they lived there, both Pat and Jay poured themselves into making it beautiful and welcoming. We have great joy thinking of the women who live there today and wish it to always be a happy and beautiful place for them.) For friends and family who cannot attend in person (and even those who can!), we would love for you to share stories of Pat for the family. We have created an easy form to share your memories by following this link. https://forms.gle/jiuJxQn6WtgnMffG7 (Or, email them to RemberingPatTressler@gmail.com.) These stories will uplift us in the months and years to come and add to our own wonderful memories. We are also gathering photos and videos of Pat over the years. Please consider sharing your photos (with a brief description identifying people and occasion, if needed) to: RememberingPatTressler@gmail.com If files are too large to send, we will send you a link to Google Drive where you can upload larger files. Thank you so much! Your prayers, compassion and kindness strengthen us greatly. Jay, Corrie & Family