Racine – Patricia Jean (nee: Bilyard) Barnes, 58, beloved wife of Dale Barnes, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 20, 2009, comforted by the presence of her family.
Pat was born in Kankakee, IL on January 29, 1951 to the late Al and Wilma Jo (nee: Ohmes) Bilyard. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University and graduated with her nursing degree from Olivet Nazarene College. Pat went on to receive her Master’s in Nursing from Texas Women’s University.
In 1980, she married the love of her life, Dale Barnes. For the past 20 years, they have lived in Racine. Pat worked as a part-time nurse at Wheaton Franciscan-St. Mary’s Medical Center. But her passion was for teaching, and she shared her talents as a nursing instructor at Gateway Technical College-Kenosha for the past 19 years.
Pat enjoyed reading, spring flowers, summer breezes, fall leaves, winter snow, and being with friends. Above all, she loved her family and treasured all the times spent together.
Surviving are her husband of almost 29 years, Dale Barnes of Racine; their son, Matthew D. Barnes of Nashville, TN; sister, Sharon (Deacon Patrick) Skelly; and brother, Michael (Nancy) Bilyard, both of Bourbonnais, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends too numerous to mention by name. In accordance with Pat’s wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 4:00 pm with Deacon Patrick Skelly officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 2-4 pm. Services will also take place in Pat’s hometown in Illinois on Sunday and Monday. In memory of Pat, memorials may be made out to the family’s wishes.
A very special thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane, his wonderful staff, and all those who gave Pat such compassionate care. Also, to Pat’s peers and friends from the Gateway Nursing Program for their concern and many acts of kindness during her journey with cancer. May God bless all of you!
dorothy c jones says
I am a long time co-worker of Pat’s. I want to tell you how sorry I am in your loss of Pat. She fought a valorous battle against cancer. I have never encountered anyone who kept their spirits up so well while going through treatment. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Dorothy C. Jones R.N.
Clare Kostelnick says
Pat and I were roomates at Ill. Wesleyan. We spent many late nights studying together for Biology or Nursing exams, but what I always appreciated most about her was her genuine concern for others. She also had a terrific sense of humor. Others have mentioned that twinkle in her eye and, of course, her smile! She could often be found plotting a prank on someone in the dorm. I can only imagine how she carried that sense of humor with her and used it as she taught her students. Through the years we kept in touch comparing stories about work and the joys of teaching, but the first thing Pat always told me about in her letters or emails was how her family was doing. She lived life to the fullest and has touched so many lives. We are all better people for the love she shared with us.
Katrina McGovern says
I just want to extend my sympathies to the Barnes family. Pat was one of my 4th semester instructors when I was a student and I also was honored to work with her on the Faculty of Gateway when I started in the Nursing SKills lab in 2006. She was a wonderful instructor and she will be missed.
Leslie Utech says
Pat was kindness, beauty, grace, and bravery. She was a wonderful co-worker and a magnificent teacher. I hope her family can take comfort in knowing she touched our lives and we are all better for having known her.
Sarah Schepker says
Pat- I will miss being able to email you with problems or advice that I need. It didn’t matter if I had you as an instructor that semester or not, you were always there to lend a hand/ear for me. I will miss your smile and laugh- I enjoyed making you laugh. I will never forget what you taught me starting in 1st semester and ending in 4th. I still have the picture of you wearing the shirt we made you and I think often of our lunch at Blue Sombrero and you said, “I’m still your instructor and you will let me pay for lunch!” When I drive past Wilson’s Tea, I think of you, sharing coffee before 2nd semester to give us advice and just hang out. I will cherish always that I got to give you a hug at pinning and to share that moment with you to say thank you. I am a better person because of knowing you and learning from you. I will take the twinkle in your eye and keep it with me and pass it on. Thank you and I will miss you more than you know. To Dale and Matt- Thank you for letting us share Pat with you. She was an amazing lady and she taught us more than we’ll ever realize. -Sarah
Marie McCormick says
Pat you are one of the best teacher in gateway. My condolence to her family and friends. Pat you are always in my prayers and I will miss you.
Lori Andreucci says
Pat taught us all so much and will be missed dearly. My condolences to her family and friends. Gateway won’t be the same without her.
Gary and Linda Redden says
To all those who are mourning the loss of this dear young woman, Linda and I share in the grief felt at this time. Pat, Dale and Matthew have been friends of our family for more than 30 years. A finer nurse and mother/wife we have never met. We’ll always remember the fun and friendship we had with this family. Hundreds of miles felt like so few when it came to our friendship. God bless you all.
Karen Ammendola says
Dear Dale, Matthew and Pat’s extended family, It is with regret that I will be unable to attend Pat’s Memorial Service. I will out of town for an annual family outing and will be 4 hours away. Pat was a wonderful, caring, genuine person. She was a mentor, role model, excellent nurse and teacher. I will miss her smiling face very much. Sincerely, Karen Ammendola Gateway
Linda Hilleshiem says
Please accept my condolences for you and all of your family. I have infinite respect and admiration for Pat as an educator and a person. We will greatly feel this loss.
Judy Stasik says
My sympathy to the family. Pat was a wonderful and kind person and will be missed here at Gateway. She had so much energy and was an inspiration to all of us. My prayers go out to you.
Donna Burelison Statler says
Dale and Matthew, I have known Pat since we were both working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee some 40 years ago. I so much appreciated Dale’s email and my thoughts and prayers have been with you both each day since that email arrived. I have such fond memories of the farm and Pat’s family. Though my mother was 87 the last I saw her, two yrs ago, the one person she asked about, “Donna, what about the girl from the farm who was in nursing…” Hugs go back to you in WI and also her family and friends in Bourbonnais. Love and much deserved peace to all of you.
Maria Chembakassery says
I am sorry for the loss. I pray that GOD will comfort all of you and the dear ones of Pat’s family. Pat is in a better place. Maria Chembakassery
Mark H. Stevens says
You were a wonderful friend and coworker Pat. Now you are at God’s side and at perfect peace. I will miss your wonderful, kind, and gracious spirit for a long time and look forward to the day when we meet again in heaven. God bless you and your family.
John Thibodeau says
My deepest sympathies to Pat’s family. Pat was an absolute joy to work with at Gateway Technical College. She was always willing to share her professional knowledge, experience, and judgment with her peers. More importantly, she cared so deeply about our nursing students. We will miss her greatly.
Kate Dischler-Noreen says
Pat was such a caring colleague, one who never allowed you to know her pain, always spirited in her passion to teach students. Pat is someone I have had the opportunity to know as a fellow instructor at Gateway. She will be missed. Kate
Mary Ann Kolis says
Dearest Dale and Matthew, Pat was a great friend, mentor and teacher. Her positive outlook on life was an inspiration to me. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mary Ann Kolis
Ryan Loew says
was lucky enough to know Pat as a student during my time at Gateway. She was one of those instructors that you gravitated to as a student. Although I only had her for two classes, I have no doubt that I am a better nurse because of her. To the family- I offer my sincere condolences. Your wife, mom, sister, truly made a difference to all of us and I can’t say thanks enough. -Ryan Loew
Nancy Williams says
To the family of Pat Barnes, You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of Pat. As a colleague of Pat’s, from Gateway, I would like your family to know what an exceptional person she was to work with and how very much she will be missed. With heartfelt sympathy, Nancy Williams Instructor of Interior Design Gateway Technical College
Kathy Stenzel says
Pat will be dearly missed at Gateway Technical College. She always had a smile and a kind word when I’d see her in the halls. My deepest sympathy to Pat’s family. You’re in my prayers.
Amy Wang says
It is so sad that we all lost such a wonderful colleague and friend. I cannot believe my eyes. My heart will always cherish Pat’s smiles and her soft voice. She is such a wonderful person….
Melinda Modesitt says
Pat was a very kind, compassionate, caring person who took an interest in others even during her illness. Her wonderful attitude during her illness was amazing. She will be missed by all on the Gateway campus. My thoughts and prayers are for your family in this difficult time. With Sympathy, Melinda
Susan Pascucci says
Please accept my condolences for the loss of such a wonderful person. She was very special to all of the people she worked with and had respect of her students. She will be missed greatly at Gateway. Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers for strength during this sad time.