Memories from Debbie Cascio

I first met Pat as a client, she came to me for a massage and before you know it I was working at Mathers Clinic. She was the warmest most caring person. I always wondered why she hadn’t become the doctor…that or a fashion designer. I used to love going in to work and having her come over to me and show me her latest garage sale purchases. She always looked like a million bucks. Never in a million years could I coordinate an outfit like Pat. From her earrings down to her shoes, she always oozed class! I loved giving her massages as much as she enjoyed receiving them. I will always remember Pat with a smile because no matter what kind of mood you were in, you would be wearing one when you left her. My deepest sympathies go out to her family. As a friend, I mourn the loss of someone the world could have used for a long time to come. But I guess heaven couldn’t wait.

Memories from Jeff L.

Because of Pat's kindness and caring of people and myself, I called Mathers today looking for her so I could return as a patient to the clinic- even though I live in Southern California now. That is the impact she had in my life. Even after moving out of the area, I tried to stay with the clinic and she would bend over backwards to get my appointments in when I did fly back into town. And it wasn't just about the appt, she would always take 5 minutes to catch up on my latest travels and life experiences- always with that Pat smile and sparkle in her eye. Missed you today Pat.

Memories from Suzi Johnson

Pat changed my life the day I met her. She learned that I was also a Type I Diabetic through her daughter-in-law, and although she had never met me, she insisted on telephoning me about the Chicago Diabetes Project. She encouraged me to apply, and once I received my transplant, she fast became my friend and Diabetes confidant. We complained to one another, bragged to one another and encouraged one another. I will miss you Pat.

Memories from Mary Jo Smith

I met Pat Jensen over 25 years ago and Loved her from the time I first met her. I loved her outgoing personality, her love of life and new things. She & Gus were very special people to my husband, Steve and I while we lived in Rockford. The world will be a little less vibrant without Pat's infectious smile and manner. She will be missed. My prayers go out to her wonderful children and Gus.

Memories from Brenda Gustafson and John Buchmann

Between the two of us, we have been with Mathers Clinic over 20 years. Pat was one of a kind. She always had a smile on her face and somehow could always find the answer to your question. It will be a big chore trying to fill Pat's shoes. Know that we are thinking and praying for the family at this difficult time.

Memories from Denise Roloff

I will always miss Pat. She was so kind to me every time I saw her at the office. Her smile was so bright. It always brightened my day to see her and chat with her. Rest in Peace, sweet and beautiful lady.

Memories from Lee and Sandy Weiss

Our hearts are aching for you. It doesn’t seem real that Pat is in heaven. The good part is that she is full of joy and is free from the cares of this world and the health issues.

But it seems so unreal. Heather, your mother was special to me. I remember her when JoAnn and I were dating. She was fun to be around. I remember the days she would come up and stay with us in Kenosha . The happy times when she met Gus. Sandy just showed me a cheese grater that Pat gave to us. It is so hard to think of all those things.

It just doesn’t seem real. Our family history with the Allen side seems decimated. Mom and dad Allen were so special to us. Mom and dad are in Heaven. Carrie, JoAnn, Jack, and now Pat are there. Your whole family has been a blessing to me. I only wish we could have been closer over the years.

Please know we care and are hurting with you. We so much would like to be there but it is impossible.

With much Love,
Lee with love from Sandy too.

Memories from Kim Menard

I send my deepest sympathy to the family of Pat Jensen. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Pat was a wonderful person and a true hero in being among the group that has been pushing towards a cure for diabetes. Although I didn’t know her well, Pat and I share much – we are both recipients of islet cell transplants through a clinical trial. I will always remember and carry the deepest respect for Pat.

Kim Menard

Memories from Sharon Childers

Aunt Pat was a great aunt. I loved going on picnics with her to the
parks when we would come up to IL during the summers. She was always
smiling and energetic. Then there is always the story of the tickets to
you know where that we won't mention but it always made us made us
smile talking about it and we still had a Great day together at the
park having all of us cousins together. Her food was always delicious
and her baked goods so yummy.

Memories from Lori Roth

So many memories of Pat. She truly was a second Mom to me growing up next door to her.

One memory that first came to mind was every Christmas morning we would wake up to homemade cinnamon rolls that Pat would make for us. When they moved to Rockford November 29, 1984 – Pat continued to make us cinnamon rolls each Christmas and would mail them to us back in Kenosha.

This is a picture of Pat with my Mom (Kathy Hattan) December of ’89 when we came to visit them in Rockford.

I also remember Pat always laying out sunning herself on her lawn chair in the back yard. She would challenge me to a tanning competition in the summers. She always had a thing of sun tea brewing on the picnic table in their back yard.

I remember the tree mural in Heather’s room. You’d have to ask Heather for verification but I swear I remember that Pat painted that herself.

Thanks for doing the blog for all of us to enjoy, remember, mourn and reflect. She was such an amazing person. Truly one of a kind.

Memories from Vicki Jones

Daughters. Pat and I had two very important things in common -- our daughters. Heather and Sarah became best friends as soon as we moved here from DeKalb in 1988. The girls were always either at our house or at Pat’s so we soon became friends as well. Pat and I also worked as secretaries at First Free Church, played together in the hand bell choir there and later worked at Slavic Gospel Association together.

Hospitality. That’s what I remember the most about my friend, Pat. Whether you were in her home or in her office or just in her presence, Pat always made sure everyone felt comfortable and welcome and well fed. My most vivid memory of Pat is simply of her sitting at the reception desk in the downstairs office at First Free Church -- Pat welcomed everyone with that special smile of hers.

Parties. Pat loved to throw parties and go to parties. I loved going to a “Pat Party” -- you could count on beautiful decorations, delicious food and a gracious hostess. Pat definitely had "flair"!

Pat was a beautiful woman inside and out. I thank God that I knew her and look forward to seeing her smile again someday in Glory!