Obituary of Patricia J. Tomac
Patricia Jean Tomac, age 95, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at the Lightways Hospice Home. Born on March 19, 1929 in Joliet, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (nee Hibler) Rudman. Pat’s early life was shaped by working at the John Rudman grocery store on Scott Street with her mother Mary, and sisters, Dolores and Katie. Pat graduated from Joliet Township High School, proud Class of 1947. She met her husband Tom Tomac in Crest Hill, rumor has it at the Chaney Pool. They were married 41 years and raised four children, Donna, Jim, Diane, and John.
Pat returned to work at the College of St. Francis Academy for 20 years as a bookkeeper where she found great friendships that lasted years after her retirement. After her husband Tom passed away, she continued to attend St. Mary Nativity Church, family reunions, typically around Thanksgiving, Sunday matinees followed by lunch, and neighborhood events with her son John and daughter Donna. Pat completed her mission to raise and take care of her late son John for 55 years.
Pat was an avid reader of the newspaper, magazines and books. She always kept up with local news and events. She loved supporting all Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs. The 2016 season was a special moment for her as the Cubs won the World Series.
Pat would always talk about her travels, which included yearly family car trips, visits to National Parks and Presidential Libraries, and trips with her son John to many family events.
The family would like to thank her cardiologist, Dr. Patel and staff (Susan) for their unwavering support for 35 years. Dr. Patel was always available to provide his expertise for Pat’s health conditions, recommend treatments and communicate to the family.
Pat is survived by her son, James (Carol) Tomac of Mission Viejo; her daughter, Diane (Thomas) Crawley of New Lenox; her sister, Katie (Ray) Mores of Joliet; her grandchildren, Don (Chris) Likens, Mike (Kim) Likens, David Crawley, and Carrie (Kevin) White; her great grandchildren, Isaac, Olivia, Jase, and Kenzie; and great step grandchildren, Madeline, Josh, and Lucas. She was also a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews and a supporting great aunt to their children.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary “Noni”; her husband of 41 years, Thomas J. Tomac; her daughter, Donna Jean Likens; her son, John Paul Tomac; and sister, Delores (Glen) Narducci.
Visitation for Pat Tomac will be Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, starting at the funeral home chapel at 9:00 a.m. and the proceeding to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pat’s name to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
