Rochelle

Patricia "Pat" Hall, 79, of Rochelle, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on November 21, 1943 in Rochelle, IL to Francis and Gertrude (Mertel) Connolly.

Pat graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1961. She married Ken Hall and they were blessed with five children: Patrick, Timothy, Christopher, Sara and Carrie. Her children were the joy of her life. Pat would load up the old Ford station wagon and be off to many activities from sporting events, school programs, graduations and more. She corralled the children for weekly Religious Education classes and Sunday Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. You were guaranteed a pinch under your upper arm if you were caught messing around during Mass. That time was for prayer and faith. Pat was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Church of Rochelle.

Pat was always doing side jobs from painting to housekeeping while the kids were in school. Keeping a large family fed, clothed, and involved in extracurricular activities was a task. Tuna, Spam, grilled cheese, and soup were considered kitchen staples. Hand-me-down clothing articles were a given, including snow boots. By the time the youngest children recycled the oldest child's snow boots, they had to put Wonder Bread bags over their socks because the boots had holes in them. Nonetheless, all the children would still venture outside to play in the snow.

With time, her family grew to include grandchildren. Once again Pat attended many events at the same location she once brought her children to. She cheered the next generation on to success. Rain, sleet or snow, Pat would bundle up and go. She was proud of each grandchild and would often share how many years she sat in the same seat at the Little League field or football fields years ago. Just when she thought her heart was full, she became a great-grandmother. Her great-grandchildren enriched her life more than words can say and added an extra sparkle to her blue eyes. They were her treasures.

Patricia enjoyed traveling with her sister, Kay Morrison, across Europe, Canada, and the United States. Her favorite destinations included Ireland, Budapest, and Paris. Pat enjoyed spending time with her sister-in-law, Judy Connolly, and reminiscing about how the family has grown over the years and sharing many stories. Judy always said Pat was the life of the party and enjoyed her Scotch on the rocks.

Pat traveled every fall season to Notre Dame football games to cheer on her beloved Irish. She cheered on the Fighting Irish football team either on the field in South Bend, Indiana or, later in life, in front of her TV. She enjoyed all things Irish and her Irish heritage. She made sure everyone in the family had some green Notre Dame attire.

Pat never wavered from her constant sidekick, a hot cup of coffee. Pat enjoyed coffee with others, including lifelong friends, Judy Messer and Pauline Brass and lunches with Sandy Hall. Pat's conversations would always stay with you as she would not hesitate to give you the third degree or provide you with her opinion. She was loyal and always showed up. If you were lucky, you even got a hug. Better have the coffee on.

Even in her final days, Pat loved family events. Most recently, the Connolly Family Reunion was held the Saturday prior to her passing. People came to see her from all over. She could not attend in-person, so people visited her. Those gathering around her bedside shared many memories, shed many tears and all left stating they were her favorite sibling, grandchild, nephew, niece or friends. Pat had many favorites.

Pat went home on Monday to have coffee with those that preceded her in death. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Hall; parents, Francis and Gertrude Connolly; brother, Jack Connolly; sister, Mary Ann Hall; and sons, Patrick and Timothy Hall.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Kathryn (Jim) Morrison of Toronto, Canada; son, Christopher (Joan) Hall of Clare, IL; daughters: Sara Hall and Carrie Hall both of Rochelle, IL; grandchildren: Carter (Lacey Jackson) Hall of Carlisle, PA; Jacob (Brittany) Delano of Greenwood Lake, NY; Whitney (Brett) Demetruk of Stephenville, TX; Cassandra (Ryan) Grover of Oregon, IL; Quinn Hall of Charlotte, NC; Tim Hall of Oak Lawn, IL; Ryan Wiese of Rochelle, IL; Nick Wiese, PRAN, U.S. Navy of San Diego, CA; Zach Wiese of Woodstock, IL; and Nolan Wiese of Normal, IL. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Hayden and Gunnar Hall, Irelin and Halston DeLano, Cillian and Willow Demetruk, Grady and Ridge Grover, Sadie Hall and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:45 A.M., Saturday, August 19, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Dr., Rochelle, IL with a Memorial Mass following at 11:00 A.M. with Father Jesus Dominguez officiating. Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle will immediately follow. Memorials may be made in Pat's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.