Patty Kokonas Lucas, age 72, of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away December 5, 2023 with her devoted husband Kevin by her side. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Nick and Maxine Kokonas, her brother John Colclough, and numerous furbabies. She is survived by her brokenhearted sister Nikki and brother-in-law John; her "sisters of the heart" Judy Mueller and Cindy Wood; her "children" Marissa Anderson (Brent) and Lindsay Skarbek (Dave Alde); and her "grandchildren" Hawk Anderson, Paige Alde, and Max Alde. Patty will be dearly missed by these family members, along with countless in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and valued colleagues that she considered family during her 50 years as a realtor and beyond.

Our Patty was a warrior who fearlessly faced every challenge, a fighter who never backed down, and a remarkable individual who embodied the very essence of honesty, compassion, ethics and unwavering faith. She was a legend who left an unforgettable mark on our hearts and souls.

Patty was the queen of fun, and a child at heart. Imagine nearly any way a person could entertain and engage with others, and you likely have a memory or have heard a tale of Patty doing just that. Hug giver. Fire baton twirler. Witch cackler. Storyteller. Rule breaker. Table dancer. Fully clothed pool cannon-baller. Whipped cream shots from the can giver. Without a doubt, Patty had a gift for finding joy in everyday moments, and shared that joy with anyone lucky enough to cross her path.

Many have remarked that Patty had a gift for making others feel welcome, special, and loved. While that's certainly true, it's even more accurate to say that Patty had a unique and incredible capacity for seeing the best in everyone she met. She shared her love openly and without hesitation. No matter when or where you saw Patty, you would leave with the absolute knowledge that she was thrilled to have spent time with you. Every single one of her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, neighbors, godchildren, friends, coworkers, clients, mail carriers, manicurists, hairdressers, accountants, and dentists would tell you that they had a special bond and were in fact Patty's favorite person. And every one of them, naturally, is correct.

If you knew Patty, you knew she relished the company of children and granted their every wish. In lieu of flowers we are asking for new, unwrapped toy donations. We will be sending toys to hospitalized children as Patty spent so much time there and understood the extreme hardship this presented for children and their families. You are welcome to bring donations to the church during the visitation or funeral.  Monetary donations will also be accepted and applied to this cause.

A visitation will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 3:00 until 8:00 pm at First Congregational Church, 766 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 beginning with lie-in-state at 9:30 am until the time of service at 10:00 am at church. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com