Patricia “Patty” Ruth McBrien McIlmoyle, 80, passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Venice Regional Medical Center of natural causes.

Patty was born May 18, 1932, in McCook, Neb., to Lawrence Ivan McBrien and Augusta Diana Hampton McBrien. Patty graduated in 1950 from McCook High School, where she wrote for the school newspaper and was the head cheerleader in her senior year.

On Dec, 27, 1952, in McCook, Patty married Gerald Eugene McIlmoyle, a second lieutenant pilot in the U.S. Air Force. During Jerry’s career, they moved more than 25 times. Patty got the “art” of moving down to a science, and embraced each new duty station a home not only for her and Jerry, but their four children. At each new community, Patty became involved with the local Catholic church, and graciously gave her time and talents to whatever mission needed help. After Jerry retired, they moved to Venice, in 1998. They both loved living in Venice, and made many, many wonderful friends.

Patty was an active member of the CCW, the Military Officers’ Association and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, and was instrumental in reviving the library at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Venice. She was a greeter at OLOL, and made everyone feel welcome. She was an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, where she served the sick and elderly with compassion and deep love. Patty received many awards throughout her lifetime, and was especially proud when she was awarded the Gold Star by the Red Cross for her work with the public schools in Great Falls, Mont.

Patty was a very creative person, and loved to do all sorts of arts and crafts, especially paper crafts. She created hundreds of beautiful handmade cards for friends and family, each one unique and personal. She was an avid musician, a talented singer, played the organ beautifully and recently taught herself how to play the ukulele.

Patty is survived by her husband, Jerry, of their home in Venice, and their four children, Patrick (wife Robin) McIlmoyle of Durham, N.C., Ruth (husband Mark) Reiser of Bellevue, Wash., Maureen (husband David) Stephan of Shawnee, Kan.; and Erin Maxwell of Aliquippa, Pa. Seven grandchildren also survive Patty: Rebecca McIlmoyle Perez (husband Ricky) of Durham, N.C., Daniel McIlmoyle of Augusta, Ga., Katie McIlmoyle of Raleigh, N.C., Brian Reiser of Princeton, N.J., Kendra Reiser of Notre Dame, Ind., Diana Stephan of Lincoln, Neb., and Samantha Stephan of Lincoln, Neb.. One great-grandchild survives: Sophia Perez of Durham, N.C.

Patty was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Augusta McBrien; by her siblings Glen Titman and Melissa McBrien Knosp Pittam; and by one child, Mary Catherine McIlmoyle.

Services: Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with a reception in the parish hall immediately following the service.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities Sugar Bowl Program, P.O. Box 2116, Venice FL 34285-2116.