Patricia D'Anza

Patricia Ann D’Anza, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 94 years old.

Born on September 4, 1931, in Chicago, IL to Henry Heft and Lillian Coyne, she grew up in a busy household where responsibility came early. She cared for her younger siblings, walked them to school, and helped keep the home running while her mother worked and her stepfather served in World War II. Though her childhood wasn’t always typical, she developed a resilience and lifelong devotion to family that carried her through her 94 years.

In her youth, she enjoyed attending Catholic school, doing crafts, and playing games, especially cards, a pastime that would become a lifelong joy. When she married Sam D’Anza, she found not just a husband but a warm and welcoming extended family. She treasured being embraced by the D’Anza clan, where gatherings meant laughter, card games, and holidays filled with love and tradition.

Patricia was a hardworking woman who poured herself into caring for others. From working at Grandma D’Anza’s store and cooking for family, to juggling various jobs while raising her children, she always gave her best. She loved crocheting and had a passion for travel. She especially loved her winters as a “snowbird” in Florida, where she surrounded herself with friends, family, and sunshine.

Family was everything to her. She lit up during holidays, especially the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She cherished birthdays and every excuse for a get-together. Her love of Bingo was unmatched, you could be sure she was ready to go first thing Thursday morning for a 1pm game start. And even better if friends or family joined her. She had a strong faith in God that anchored her life. Even into her later years, she kept her humor sharp. At age 93, when someone told her she looked amazing, she quipped back, “Apparently you are not looking in the same mirror I am,” leaving everyone in stitches.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Sam D’Anza; her daughter, Mary Jo Hanrahan; her brother, Henry Heft; and her sister, Jacque Christofolo. She is survived by her sons, Daniel D’Anza (Stella) and Sam D’Anza.; her sisters Linda Plesh (David), and Cindy Burke; her grandchildren Patricia Phillips (Jason), Christine D’Anza, Michael D’Anza (Judy), Shelley Hurley (Jamie), Rachel Marshall (Scott), and Brittany Lorch (Michael); and her great-grandchildren Nicolette Barker (Jordan), Aliyah Callen, Heidi Phillips, Henry Phillips, Eli Phillips, Reeselyn Hurley, Theodore Marshall, Emerie Marshall, Maddon Lorch, Colton Lorch, and Paxton Lorch. She is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Her legacy is one of faith, laughter, love, and an unshakable devotion to family. She leaves behind countless memories and stories that will continue to bring joy and comfort to all who knew her.

A special thank you to all the nurses, doctors, and staff at Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence, and her caring doctor of many years, Dr. Benhke.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home, 333 South Roselle Rd. Roselle, IL 60172.  Prayers will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 9:00 am at the funeral home, process to Holy Archangels Parish at St. Matthew Church 1005 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, IL.  Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s name to Holy Archangels Parish at St. Matthew Church. For more information, please contact Countryside Funeral Home, 630-529-5751.