Patricia (Pat) Ann Johnson (Bulger) of West Chicago passed away peacefully on September 7, 2023, at the age of 78, after her tenacious battle with several health challenges. She was surrounded by her loving family.
“Tiny but Mighty” Pat fought her health issues like she did every one of her life obstacles – head on. Even with the odds clearly stacked against her, she never ever quit. Leading with laughter and positivity (although peppered at times with frustration and anger), she always came out swinging and persevered. Her resilience was extraordinary. A borderline superpower!
When first meeting Pat, you may have experienced her impenetrable protective shell but when you took the time to “crack the code”, you were fortunate to experience her lust for fun, absolute kindness and ferocious love for her family, friends, and animals.
Her greatest accomplishment in life was her family. Her marriage to Milton (Bud) for 48 years, two boys Anthony (Tony) and Andrew (Andy), best friend and cherished granddaughter Stephanie, two daughters-in-law Christine and Laura, and loyal dog Brando.
Besides her family, Pat’s other affinities in life were adventure, being on or near the water, food (particularly sweets), coffee, music (forever faithful to Elvis Presley), all things purple, convertible cars, the breeze in her face, sunshine on the beach, going fast and shopping of any kind – specifically for purses, shoes, clothes, and jewelry. With a well-accomplished bucket list, a full heart, and the excitement of knowing that she would once again join God, her husband Bud, beloved brother Edward and her mother and father, Pat also left us with an intense gratitude for Tony and Christine and their unwavering commitment to her health, comfort, and dignity as her health declined.
In respect of Pat’s wishes, in lieu of a memorial service, the family asks for your consideration in donating to the Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions Center in Woodstock, Illinois so Pat’s love for dogs and their well-being can live on.
Thank you to all the life-long and newly made friends, caretakers who really cared (they know who they are), dialysis nurses, Bob from Angel’s Wheels, and the staff at JourneyCare Hospice Barrington for your assistance in allowing Pat to finish strong, full of love and appreciation.
We will forever miss her, but her shared life lessons, super-hero fortitude, and sidesplitting wit will keep her in our hearts for eternity.