Patsy Ann Mailand, age 67 of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 29, 2017. Pat was born in Freeport on June 9, 1950; the daughter of Joyce and Del Mailand. Pat attended Freeport Schools, graduating in 1968. Wanting to be a teacher since she was in grade school, she then pursued her teaching degree at Illinois State University, Normal, IL, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. After her college graduation she continued her education as a Graduate Student/Dormitory Assistant for Pickering House in Watterson Towers at ISU from 1972 – 73. Pat then began her teaching career and taught elementary school for 35 years, touching many young lives as a dedicated teacher, retiring in 2008.

She loved teaching the younger students over the years, especially the first graders and enjoyed helping her students learn. She always had new ideas for a lesson plan, a learning game or project, or an educational activity for the children to do to make learning fun! Pat always had a smile on her face, a hand to hold and a hug to share. Pat was honored as the Lena Jaycees Teacher of the Year in 1988, received the Stephenson County Ag Teacher of the Year Award in 2006 and was listed in Who's Who in Education as a dedicated educator. She will be remembered by the many young hearts she touched as an educator throughout her years of teaching!

She also worked as a part-time teller on Saturdays for Midwest Bank on Crestwood Drive for 20 years. Pat was a past member of the Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Mu Chapter of Women Educators and also a past member of American Business Women, Lamplighter Chapter, of Freeport. Pat also enjoyed reading, walking and many other activities over the years and she loved to send cards to friends and family.

Pat is survived by her sister, Penny Beyer of Freeport; brother-in-law, Steven Beyer of Freeport; her nephew, Joey Beyer; and her niece, Molly Beyer, both of Tampa, Florida. Preceding her in death were her parents, grandparents and many aunts and uncles. Pat is now at peace in heaven with her very special parents, other loved ones and treasured friends who have gone before her.

Much love and thanks go out to her sister, Penny and her loving, special friends and caregivers: Mandy, Norene, Joyce and Deb. Best friends are like stars! You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. Pat touched many lives, young and old throughout her life and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Especially her friends who will miss her warmth and compassion, her caring thoughtfulness and her smile and laughter.