Pat, as she was known in adulthood, graduated from Horlick High and attended University of Wisconsin – Racine. She went on to study in a 4-year program at Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in 1962. Layton was one of the most progressive art schools of its time and regarded as one of the top five art schools in the U.S.
After graduation, Pat moved to Chicago to pursue her art career, which she began as an advertising designer for Marshall Fields. She sketched and drew fashion ads, among others, by hand. Next she worked at Mercury Records designing covers for record albums. As her career matured, she worked as a designer at many Chicago advertising agencies including Meyer and Rosenthal.
Throughout the years Pat thoroughly enjoyed city life in “Chee-ca-go” where she hosted epic parties with her roommates and friends, consumed all the art and culture the city offered, and became a life-long fan of 'da Bears, the Chicago Tribune and WGN.
In 1991 Pat accepted a position at Land’s End headquarters in Dodgeville, WI, where she was the Artistic Director of its linens catalogue, “Coming Home,” for 10 years. She spent a significant amount of time commuting to Racine to care for her parents until her father’s passing in 1999. After her retirement, she moved back to Racine to care for her mother until her passing in 2008.
In retirement, as throughout her life, Pat was a prolific artist, creating pieces in watercolor, chalks, pastels, as well as decoupage and needlework. She continues to bring joy to her family and friends through the many works of art she has created for them. Pat was also an avid reader, gardener of flowers and veggies, an exceptional cook and a generous entertainer. She was well known for her annual holiday parties and the summertime “Pat’s Patio Party.” Pat will be remembered for her extraordinary generosity of spirit and resources, her sharp wit and humor, and the unconditional love she bestowed on her friends and family.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother, Peter Vallone and his wife, Tricia, of Vista, CA; niece, Carla Vallone, and her husband, Greg Fleishman; grand-niece, Sofia Vallone; and many beloved first, second and third cousins.
Family will receive visitors from 9:30 a.m. until the time of a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 1533, Erie St., Racine, Wisconsin, with Rev. Sean Granger celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Racine Art Museum, 441 Main St., Racine, WI 53403 for art education programs for children.
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
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