Patricia Rakausky

Patricia Rakausky passed away on December 4, 2025, surrounded by family, just days before her 84th birthday. Born of Lithuanian immigrant parents on December 12, 1941, she embraced her Lithuanian heritage. Her life was defined by creativity, kindness, honest candor, and deep devotion to her relatives and friends.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Susie Rakausky; father, Joseph Rakausky; sister, Rita Delanois; daughter, Catherine Hawes; granddaughter, Stephanie Catherine Sherry; and niece, Linda (Liggett) Delanois.

She is survived by her daughter, Jo Anne Sherry (David); and cherished nieces and nephews, including Ken Delanois, Barbara Delanois, Karyn Delanois, and Jain Delanois, including several others. Growing up next door to one another, they built special bonds that endured throughout her life and hold close the joyful memories and meaningful times they shared together.

Patricia grew up in Westville, Illinois, attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where her faith and strong sense of community were nurtured. She graduated from Schlarman High School in 1959, where her enthusiasm for the arts first took center stage. During high school, she discovered a passion for theater, including a performance in The Mikado.

After moving to Crawfordsville, Indiana Patricia raised her two daughters and attended St. Bernard Catholic Church. She carried on her zeal for theater, performing in numerous productions at the Sugar Creek Players Theater and delighting audiences with the starring role in Mame at Starlight Musicals in Danville, Illinois. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Patricia’s penchant for drama and music was contagious. She often shared the stage with her daughters, creating precious memories.

There she embraced a vibrant circle of friends and fellow performers. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and creativity. Patricia lovingly made her children’s Halloween costumes by hand. Her daughters’ friends cherish memories of gathering there—enjoying delicious meals, singing, playing outdoors, and creating together. Patricia had a knack for introducing her children to new foods, inspiring in them an appreciation of delectable cuisine.

An adventurous spirit, Patricia traveled camping across the United States, creating lasting memories. She treasured the beauty of the outdoors and the laughter shared around campfires. She deeply loved her family, friends, and neighbors, and at home she took pleasure spending time with her faithful felines.

In her later years, Patricia returned to Westville, Illinois, where she retired from the Vermilion County Clerk’s Office. It was a wonderful time as she returned to her homestead reconnecting with her roots.

After moving to Indianapolis, she relished the companionship of her daughter, son-in-law, family, “grand dogs,” and neighbors, particularly her dear friend Terri Stuart. While in Indianapolis, she attended St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Patricia also maintained close and loving relationships with her in-laws throughout her life, especially Margaret and Sue Dickman.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. CDT at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 231 N. State St., Westville, IL 61883. Interment of ashes will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, 11708 1670 East Rd., Westville, IL 61883. Contributions in her honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Schlarman High School, and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Patricia will be remembered for her creativity, her warmth, her unwavering and unconditional love, and the sparkle she brought to every stage and gathering. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the traditions she crafted, and the family and friends who were blessed to know her.

For those who knew her during different phases of her life, Patricia was also known by the marital last names Hawes (John), Dickman (James), and Thomas (Larry).