Irma "Amy" Patras

Amy is survived by her children, George (Karen), Mary, Patricia (Sally), JoAnn (Cesáreo J.) and Irene (Ivan), her nine grandchildren, Peter, Athena, Anna, Amy, William, Catherine, Cesáreo D., Gabriel, and Eliana, and seven great-grandchildren, Serena, Georgia, Odin, Nyla, Otto, Lydia, and Andrea, and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish the love and laughter she brought to their lives. Amy was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; her parents, Bernard and Catherine (Caspers) Kulzer; and her siblings, Alois, Nick, LeRoy, Anthony, Leona (Zehrer), Renee (Mergen), Monica (Joaquim), and MaryAnn (Samuelson).

Born on September 9, 1935, on the family farm to Bernard and Catherine (Caspers) Kulzer, Amy moved to Chicago at age 17, where she worked as a waitress. She later met her future husband, Peter G. Patras, at Elliott’s Pine Log Restaurant. They were married on June 14, 1958, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Chicago.

Amy devoted her life to raising her five children and later worked for several catering companies, most notably The Mixing Bowl. Faith and family were the heart of her world — she loved preparing Sunday dinners surrounded by laughter, stories, and love. A dedicated member of St. Hilary Parish, she volunteered countless hours in the school lunchroom, at parish events, and with the Mother’s Club. Ever determined, Amy earned her GED while raising her family, and she was an avid reader, enjoying a good story late into the night, and cheering for her Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls.

Though she built her life in Illinois, Amy’s Minnesota roots remained strong. She treasured her siblings and extended family, passing on that deep connection to her children, who fondly remember summers spent on the family farms. Those times were and still are cherished by all. One of Amy's greatest joys was knowing that the next generations have continued this strong bond by continuing road trips to the farm–to visit all 40+ first cousins!

Amy will be remembered for her warmth, humility, radiant smile, and genuine kindness. Her joy was not in talking about herself, but in inviting others to share their thoughts and experiences — a compassionate listener whose love and faith touched all who knew her.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Drake and Son Funeral Home (5303 N. Western Ave, Chicago). The funeral mass will take place on Friday, November 7, at 10:00 am at St. Hilary/Padre Pio Church (5601 N. California Ave, Chicago). Interment immediately following at Elmwood Cemetery, 2905 Thatcher Road, River Grove, IL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food pantry.