Sister Patricia Ann Koschalke

Sister Patricia Ann (Ambrose) of the Holy Cross

(Patricia Ann Koschalke)

February 22, 1933 - September 3, 2026

Sister Patricia Ann of the Holy Cross died September 3, 2026, at Nazarethville in Des Plaines, Illinois, at the age of 93.

Born in Chicago to Joseph Koschalke and Gertrude, née Deering, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on January 5, 1952, and professed her first vows on June 23, 1954, and perpetual vows on August 6, 1960, in Des Plaines, IL.

Sister Patricia Ann began her ministry as a teacher, but she spent most of her life dedicated to Catholic health care. In 1967, she joined the staff of St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital as head of its accounting department, where she ministered until 1977, when she went on to serve as Administrator at Nazarethville, then as Administrator of Holy Family Medical Center. In 1987, she was named President and CEO of Holy Family Health Care System, Inc., a role she held for more than a decade.

Her commitment to the mission of Catholic health care continued for decades: as Executive Vice President of Fund Development at Resurrection Health Care, as Chairperson of the Sponsorship Board, and as a member of the Presence Health Ministries Board and Corporate Member of Presence Health. She later served on the Public Juridic Person Board through 2018.

She loved the community and served in leadership for a number of years, sharing her gifts as provincial councilor and later provincial superior, and attending several general chapters of the Congregation.

In her later years, Sister Patricia Ann brought her characteristic dedication to more intimate service, assisting in the dining room ministry at the Provincialate in Des Plaines and CSFN Creations, before turning to a quiet ministry of prayer and presence at Nazarethville Place in Des Plaines, IL, in 2025.

Sister Patricia Ann will be remembered for a lifetime of ministry to the Church, building and sustaining Catholic health care institutions in service of the sick and vulnerable. May she rest in peace.

Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gertrude Koschalke, and her sister, Delores (Fred) Heisterman. She is survived by her nephews, Paul, William, Mark, Matthew, and Richard.

A memorial service will be held Monday, September 14, 2026, beginning with visitation at 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am at the Holy Family Convent Chapel, 310 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, Illinois. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth - USA, Inc, https://nazarethcsfn.org/donate. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.