Patricia “Patt” Lee Murphy Kane

Surrounded by her loving family, Patricia “Patt” Lee Murphy Kane of St. Charles, IL passed away on August 10, 2022 at the age of 71.

She is survived by devoted husband Greg; beloved sons Mark (Lindsey) Kane of Munster, IN and Tim (Colleen) Kane of Crestwood, KY; cherished daughter Erin (Matt) Seifert of Chicago, IL. She is also survived by siblings, Mike Murphy and Barb (Frank) Coster, dear nieces and nephews, and many friends. Six “perfect” grandchildren: Addison, Liam, Ronan, Lainey, Maeve and Quinn are her most precious and abiding legacy.

Patt was preceded  in death by her parents, Sara and Patrick, her adored sister, Wendy, and too many friends and adopted animals.

She was born August 3, 1951, in Poland Ohio and from her parents, learned values that set the path of her life: a strong work ethic, fierce love for family and friends, compassion for animals and a generous heart.

She attended Grove City College. There she made lifelong friends and discovered her passion for history.  Patt’s strong sense of self manifested in activism on the small conservative campus. From then on she championed justice and equality whenever she felt them challenged.

Patt accepted her first position as a history teacher at the Mahoning County Vocational School, again making lifelong friends. She briefly considered a career change which led to a move to the Chicago area. She took a teaching position at Addams Junior High School in Schaumburg, IL and taught there for 35 years. Colleagues sharing online tributes spoke of her palpable passion for history and her extraordinary ability to bring it to life. For Patt, teaching was a calling. She cared deeply about her students, discretely providing those in need with clothing and food. She was a teacher advocate, mentor, and consummate educator.

At Addams, Patt met her soulmate, Greg. Their union was one of love, understanding and laughter. Patt’s greatest joy was in giving. Greg supported her pathological generosity unconditionally, expanding the budget each time she opened her heart to rescue an animal. Patt so loved caring for her three horses, Ripple, Riser and Garbo.

Patt and Greg raised their children with great love and attention. Their dreams were supported without question. Patt was immensely proud of the people they became. However, NO excitement compared to when her children’s unions brought grandchildren. They were the light of her life, her reason to push through even the hardest days. -She wanted to be at ALL their events, share in EACH of their special moments, even if it meant hours of driving. She simply couldn’t get enough of their hugs. At each child’s departure she continued a family tradition of slipping them some extra cash that she affectionately referred to as “Grandpa Murphy Money”.

As per Patt’s request, an “Irish wake” for family and all friends will be held on Saturday, August 27th from 1-5pm at Versailles Equestrian in Virgil, IL. Dress is casual and cheerful. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you hug your spouse, children, grandchildren, family, or friends. If you wish to make a monetary donation in Patt’s memory, three of her favorite charities are Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control, Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, Ronald McDonald House.

She will be desperately missed but with us always.