Patricia B. Dineen

Patricia Barbara Dineen Born March 15,1927. Went home to God January 4, 2025 Patricia B. Dineen, nee Stahl, beloved wife of the late Leo M. Dineen (retired CPD). Dear daughter of the late Marie and James Stahl, and loving older sister to her little brother, Jimmy. Dear Sister-in-law of Florian (Patricia) Dabasinskas, and the late Walter (Patricia) Dabasinskas, and aunt of several nephews and nieces. Pat was born on March 15, 1927. She was supposed to be born on St. Patrick’s Day. Her Irish grandmother was quite upset that she came a few days early, and was therefore allowed to pick her new granddaughter’s name. Of course, she was named Patricia. Her father was a fireman with the Chicago Fire Department, and her grandfather was a CFD Battalion Chief. Pat loved to tell the story of how her father would take her to see her grandfather at work, at the fire house on Waveland, across from Wrigley Field. She would go up to the bunk house with her transistor radio and look through the window to watch the Cubs game that was being played across the street. When it was time to leave, her father would pick her up with one arm and grab the fire pole with the other arm. They would then slide down the pole to the first floor. Pat would always ask if they could do it again. Her dad always told her “next time”. Pat’s little brother Jimmy passed away when he was 6 years old. She always missed him. He is buried near her husband and parents. Pat attended Alvernia High School and went to college in Wisconsin for her undergraduate teaching degree. She was also a proud graduate of Loyola University of Chicago. She went on to get 3 Master’s degrees. While in college, this very petite woman played basketball. She liked to tell how she was once elbowed in the face by a taller opponent, and what lovely shades of blue and green her faced turned. Pat was a Special Education teacher with the Chicago Public School system. Later in life, she served as the Director of Special Education for Cook County. Pat met the love of her life, Leo (Lee) Michael Dineen on a telephone call before meeting him in person. Lee was a patrolman for many years with the Chicago Police Department. They married, but sadly were never blessed with children. Pat dedicated her life to serving kids as a Special Education teacher of Profoundly and Severely Handicapped Children. Lee died in 1996 after a long illness and Pat continued to miss him every day after he was gone. After Lee died, to honor the people that helped to keep him in her life throughout his long illness, Pat volunteered 2 days a week at Rush Medical Center for 25 years, and in the CAPS o ice at the 16th District Police station, until she had to stop volunteering at both when the pandemic hit. She missed these activities tremendously. In recent years, when Pat was at Rush for doctor’s appointments, she was like the Pied Piper of Rush. People that knew her over the years, would race to visit her, chat a bit, and give her a hug. She touched many peoples’ lives! During the pandemic, for her 94th birthday, police o icers from the 16th district, led a long line of cars and well wishers down her street, to celebrate her with a birthday parade. She loved it! Pat was a beloved presence at Our Lady of Victory Church where she was a parishioner for over 40 years. Every Sunday while she was healthy, she would attend Sunday mass, sitting on Blessed Mother’s side of the church, just behind the aisle break. Many people, children and adults alike, would stop after mass to talk to her and be cheered by her lovely smile, and kind heart. Then she would drive out to St. Joseph’s Cemetery to visit her dear Lee ‘s grave. She did this for as long as her body and the pandemic allowed her. On January 4, 2025, Pat went home to God (and Lee) at the age of 97 ¾ years. She would have turned 98 on 3/15/2025. She always told people she was aiming for 100! Unfortunately, her body did not allow her to achieve that milestone. Welcome home to God and to Lee, Pat! They have been patiently waiting for you! We will all miss you! In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pat's favorite charities: Misericordia https://www.misericordia.com or Mercy Home https://donate.mercyhome.org

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Patricia B. Dineen

March 15, 1927 - January 4, 2025