Pat Potenza (Cairns), 87, went to be with her Lord peacefully on January 15, 2019, while surrounded by her loving family.
Pat was born in Chicago on March 11, 1931, to John and Stella Cairns. She met the love of her life, Fred Potenza, at a church dance in 1950. They were married September 22, 1951, in Chicago where they enjoyed 60 years together until Fred’s death in 2011. They spent the majority of their time in Chicago, and in retirement they wintered in Arizona.
Pat was a bookkeeper and worked at many companies throughout her career while raising their three children. She retired from working to care for her grandchildren whom she adored. She enjoyed golf, bowling and roller skating, but most of all Pat treasured the time spent with the friends and family she loved especially during holiday gatherings. Besides watching her children and grandchildren’s sports, she loved her Chicago sports teams, especially the Chicago Black Hawks and Northwestern Wildcats.
All who knew her were blessed with her gentle spirt, her kindness, compassion. She truly saw the good in everyone. She was Irish and proud of it. She was able to take a trip to Ireland with her family and enjoyed seeing her beautiful homeland.
She is survived by two sons, Bruce (Donna) and Scott; one daughter, Judy (Bryan) Segedi; two grandchildren, Megan and Ryan; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved dog Abby.
Pat is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred; her parents, John and Stella Cairns; her sister, Rose; her brothers, Jack and Bobby.
Pat’s burial was private but a celebration of Pat’s life will be held in the near future.