Patricia Ryan Liska entered into everlasting peace and happiness December 26, 2020. Patricia is the beloved matriarch of the Ryan/Liska family. Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, cherished son, Tom, sister Honey (Dick) O’Hara, brother Bill Ryan, and sister-in-laws Fran Ryan, Marion (John) Ford, and Lorraine (Rollo) Christiansen. Patricia is survived by brother Larry (Nancy) Ryan, sister-in-laws Jane Ryan and Jeanne (David) Stein, sons Pat, Mike, Paul (Kathy), and Dan (Pam) Liska, daughter Mary (Dan) Phelps. Adored Nana/Gram to Jennifer Coolidge, Danielle (Paul) Eisenbacher, Tommy (Rachel) Liska, Katie (Brett) Novey, Maggie (Chip) Jessopp, Dan (Elizabeth) Phelps, Kate (Patrick) Smith, Beth (Drew) Seward, Bob Liska, and Sam Liska. Never to be forgotten Bingo to Elise and Jacqueline Novey, Chase, Molly and Mac Jessopp, Tommy, Lulu, and Jojo Phelps, Emily and Claire Smith, Kay, Jack, Billy and James Seward.
Although born in Chicago to a large Irish clan, Patricia was raised in Obregon, Mexico, with her loving parents and siblings. In Mexico, Patricia mastered Spanish and became bi-lingual at an early age. The Ryan family returned to Chicago and settled in Oak Park, IL. Patricia attended Trinity High School and Rosary (Dominican) College. After graduation, Patricia married Bob Liska and together they raised their six children in River Forest, IL. Patricia then began her second career teaching special education in the Chicago Public Schools for 25 years, where she put her Spanish and writing skills to great use. Patricia traveled the world with friends and family, including many domestic and international trips with children and grandchildren. She cherished those trips, often planning her next trip before the last one was completed. She traversed six continents in her lifetime, only missing Antarctica due to bad weather. Patricia’s family and friends are forever indebted to Patsy for the love of life she shared and her unsurpassed art of communication, always engaging others and asking about their lives, families and interests. Patsy had a keen sense of humor and loved her Irish heritage. She embraced her faith and respected all others. Patricia loved watching and interacting with children of all ages. Patsy loved playing tennis at the Oak Park Tennis Club, bridge with her many dear friends, and dining at restaurants. She was a voracious reader, devouring stories of people, events and places that whetted her thirst for relationships and travel. She was a member of several book groups. Patsy was the consummate, loyal family matriarch with a healthy dose of wanderlust, experiencing life to its fullest. Patricia’s love, openness and spirit will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to cross her path. Mother, Nana, Gram, Bingo, Sibling, Aunt, and Friend may no longer be with us here on earth, but she will be with us forever in our fond memories and countless recollections of her loving, engaging and supportive nature. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
A celebration of life will be held June 25, 2021. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Trinity High School in memory of Patricia Ryan Liska, 7574 W Division St, River Forest, IL 60305 or at use the following live link http://www.trinityhs.org/liska. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.