Patrice "Pat" Louise Sturino Wrobel Gerace

Patrice “Pat” Louise Sturino Wrobel Gerace, 69, was born on October 22, 1956 and passed  away suddenly on June 26, 2026 in Michigan surrounded by her husband and loving sister, Cindy and brother in law John. 

She was born in Melrose Park, IL and grew up in Bellwood, IL. Born to Joseph Sturino and Kathleen Kerin, Pat was the proud oldest of her nine siblings. 

Growing up in Chicagoland as part of a large Italian-American family helped shape Pat’s resilient spirit. Though her childhood wasn’t without its hardships, she fondly shared the laughter, adventures, and lifelong bonds she built with her Sturino siblings.

She attended Northern Illinois University, and married her high school sweetheart, Stephen Wrobel, in 1977. They had four children, Erin, Steven and twins, Laura and Eileen. In 1986, Stephen passed away unexpectedly.

Following this tragedy, Pat was determined to create the hopeful future she had always prayed for her children. With courage and faith, she began a new chapter in Elmhurst, IL, where she started attending West Suburban Church with her four young children in tow.

It was there that she met Robert Gerace, who had recently completed his service in the U.S. Navy. Wanting to help Pat and her family settle into their new home, Robert volunteered to paint. In the process of giving his time, he also gave his heart to Pat and her four children. The two were married in 1987, and in 1989 they welcomed their youngest son, James, completing their family.

She never talked about these years in her life in any other way but “God had a plan”. 

While being a mother was named many times as her greatest achievement in life, being a grandmother (or Yaya) was her true source of joy. She loved her 11 (soon to be 12) grandchildren unabashedly. She made them laugh, spoiled them, and at times, drove them a little crazy. She loved teaching them about old family traditions and creating new ones with them. Yaya was always supportive of their unique interests and dreams.  

Pat was a hardworking woman known as the “Staffing Diva.” She had a remarkable gift for connecting people with their first jobs and helping them navigate difficult circumstances with compassion and dignity.

Pat loved raising her children in Elmhurst alongside many neighbors and friends. She was an avid reader and loved history. She enjoyed going to the live theatre, traveling with her husband of 38 years, and music. The Beach Boys and The Beatles were her favorites and we can’t hear their songs without thinking of her. 

A McDonalds Diet Coke (easy ice) was her preferred beverage of choice and no one was ever surprised seeing her with one in her hand and Velcro curlers in her hair. 

She loved to garden and when she moved to the Edwardsville, IL area for retirement, she began another garden adventure and enjoyed visiting new nurseries and greenhouses. 

Pat was famous for her quirky story telling - from old family lore, to “only you, Pat” stories and her many, many quotes/sayings, she loved to laugh and bring humor into connection and long conversations. 

While raising her children, Pat taught them the importance of serving others. She led by example, embracing random acts of kindness and living a life of generosity.

Most of all, Pat loved God and her family fiercely. This is what she would want everyone to remember about her. She was a loving, adoring wife and faithful daughter, taking remarkable care of her mother in her home for over ten years.

Pat is survived by her husband, Robert, and five children - Erin, Steven, Laura, Eileen and James; Son and Daughter In-Laws - Jason, Ellie, Ryan, Taylor, Lauren and Elliot; Grandchildren - Carter, Kennedy, Stephen, Hailey, Ashley, Wesley, Courtney, William, Levi, Samuel, Benjamin, and Baby Gerace; Mother - Kathleen Kerin, her siblings, in-laws, friends, nieces and nephews and many other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Stephen, father, Joseph, brother-in-law Michael and mother and father in law, Annette and John. 

Family and friends are to gather for the visitation on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Russo’s Hillside Chapel, 4500 Roosevelt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162 (located between Manheim and Wolf Road) from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Chapel prayers to be celebrated promptly at 5:15 PM. For additional information please call 708-449-5300. Please share remembrance or condolence on Patrice's tribute wall/guest book found on the tab above.

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