Patricia A. Perry, age 85, of Dubuque, IA, was called home to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on May 14, 2022, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.  To honor Patricia’s life, her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., at the Galena Bible Church, 11108 US 20, Galena, IL, with Pastor Gary Kirst officiating.  Family and friends of Patricia’s may visit in fellowship from 7:00 p.m. with light refreshments prior to the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Patricia’s family.

Patricia was born on April 30, 1937, in Portland, OR, a daughter to Roland E. and Helen E. (Franzen) Gilligan.  Patricia knew from a very early age that she wanted to devote her time and talents in this life to serving others.  She met her soul-mate, Ronald L. Perry while they were both living in Oregon and the couple was united in marriage on September 3, 1955, and blessed with 3 children and 67 wonderful years together.  They always enjoyed traveling the country to witness first-hand all of God’s beautiful creation and in time made their way to the Chicago area to permanently settle there and begin the next part of their journey together.  Patricia had pursued her dream in the nursing field and eventually became a registered nurse specializing in the geriatric field for over 21 years with the Lake Forest Hospital. She was also active in the church as a deaconess, children’s teacher and assisted her husband, Ron when he was youth minister in Deerfield Illinois. Upon retirement, Patricia and Ronald made their way to Hazel Green, WI. with their final stop being in Dubuque, IA.  Patricia enjoyed watercolor painting and was a proud member of the Galena Artists Guild, Inc.  She also belonged to the American Nurses Association as well as the Galena Bible Church.  Patricia was both a people and pet person through and through.  Her love for others was as genuine as her love for her family and her God.  Being the salt and light in the world around her was among Patricia’s top priorities each day.  We find peace in knowing that she resides in eternal perfection today, but our mortal hearts still ache with the pain and realization that she has physically left our daily lives temporarily.  We will forever treasure her loving spirit and the abundance of memories which she leaves behind today, but are also beyond grateful for the 85 years in which the Lord so generously shared her with each and every one of us.  Thank you, Patricia, for leading by example and continually putting others before yourself.  May the Lord keep you safe in His grace-filled arms until we meet again and may the words we all hope to hear in time, “Well done good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of your Lord” be already with you as your eternity begins. 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Patricia include,

her loving husband,

Ronald L. Perry, Dubuque, IA;

her three adored children,

Matthew L. Perry (Bonnie) OR,

Kaye M. Kraus (Rob Gonzales), Dubuque, IA,

and Deana M.(John) Jackson, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,

Carol A. (Chad) Duncan, Rachel E. (Matt) Jumago, Amos B. Perry, Seana Perry, Sarah (Kevin) M. Sandri, Rebecca A. Kraus, Emily N. Kraus, Brandon L. (Gina) Burton, Ami M. Dodd, Mackenzie R. Burton, Riley D. Burton (Courtney Ahlers), Grace E. Jackson, and Hannah J. (Tim) McCaw;

her great-grandchildren,

Dylan Perry, Annaleis Perry, Shane Duncan, Juniper Jumaygo, Rowan Jumaygo, Kora (Tyler) Reuter, Benjamin Sandri, Marcos Lagunas, Lindsey Koradi, Amber Seigert, Ella Dodd, Zoey Dodd, Salena Ahlers, Mia Burton and Nadia Burton;

her brothers,

John Gilligan, OR,

and Paul Gilligan, WA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Dick Gilligan, Gary Gilligan, and Tom Gilligan; her sister-in-law, Hope (Bauer) Gilligan; and her nephew, Greg Gilligan.

Patricia’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Patricia’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com