Pat Ozella Obituary

Pat A. Ozella, 77, of Washington, passed away, surrounded by her family, at 4:32pm Friday, April 21, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born to the late Francis and Florence Epplin Eisfelder on August 21, 1945 at Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair Co, IL. She married Anthony Ozella on August 16, 1969 in Pinckneyville. Surviving is her husband, Tony; their children, Jennifer (John) Gibson and Scott (Esmeralda) Ozella; grandchildren, Luke, Ben, Megan, Isabella, Olivia, and Sophia; her siblings, Fran Eisfelder, John Eisfelder, Margie Dowell, Rita Hager, and Mary Purcell; and many nieces and nephews. Pat graduated from Southern Illinois University and went on to work in HR at the Children's Home in Peoria until her retirement. She was an active member of St. Patrick's church since May 1971. While serving in the women's guild, she coordinated church and school events. She was well known for her baking skills, making candy, and her many recipes in the St. Pat's cookbooks. After her stroke in 2001, Pat served on the board of directors at the Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp, as well as being an ambassador couple for stroke camps in Colorado, Texas and other locations. She was also very involved in stroke education at the community grade schools. She was an active member of the Chimes Strokers. She enjoyed traveling and watching her grandchildren's activities. Pat had a bright smile and a sweet spirit that always shone through. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, with visitation an hour prior at the church. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp or St. Patrick School