Patricia Ghelardini

MORTON – Patricia Ann Ghelardini age 96 of Morton, Illinois died Saturday, October 21, 2023, after a brief illness.  She was born in Peoria, Illinois, on December 20, 1926, to Raymond and Dale Cecil.  She had four brothers and one sister that all preceded her in death.  Patricia married Bruno Ghelardini on November 20, 1950, and she was a devoted spouse for 37 years until Bruno's passing in 1987. 

She is survived by three children, Joyce Minton, Steven Ghelardini (Gail), and Gina Gingerich (Doug), as well as 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Patricia was a part of Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation and embodied all of its values and characteristics, including devotion to faith, family, and community.  She was a superior homemaker, with a strong work ethic and independent spirit.   She had 96 years of wisdom and wit.  

Her life will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Knapp Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, Illinois.  Visitation will be from 11 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.