Obituary: Patricia Ann Blackburn (nee Alblinger)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Patricia Ann Blackburn

(nee Alblinger)

Patricia Ann Blackburn, deeply loved by her family, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL. Born on November 21, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Edward and Mary Alblinger, Patricia spent her life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Patricia grew up in Chicago, IL, and graduated from Visitation High School and the Little Company of Mary Nursing Program, answering a lifelong calling to care for the sick and vulnerable. She dedicated many years as a Registered Nurse. She began her nursing career at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park upon graduation, then continued at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet after marrying her late husband in 1959. Her gentle hands and compassionate heart brought comfort and dignity to countless patients, reflecting her deep belief in Christ’s healing presence.

Alongside her beloved husband, the late Joseph Arthur Blackburn, Patricia also embraced the joys and challenges of small business ownership. Together, they owned and operated the Ten Reasons and Blooms Ranch, both well-known taverns in Joliet, Illinois. Their hard work, hospitality, and warm welcome to all who walked through their doors created a sense of community that extended far beyond business.

A devout Catholic, Patricia spent many years as a parishioner at St. Paul the Apostle and several years at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, where she served as a CCD Religious Education teacher and on the parish council. Her life of prayer, devotion, and quiet witness to the Lord was a source of strength and inspiration to those who knew her.

Patricia treasured time spent with her family and friends, and found joy in the simple, grace-filled moments of everyday life. She was a proud lifelong pet parent and animal lover, always showing kindness to God’s creatures. She delighted in watching and feeding hummingbirds, seeing in their beauty a reflection of God’s creation. Patricia also loved playing Euchre and sharing laughter with loved ones. Patricia will be fondly remembered for her Irish pride and for being a steadfast fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

Patricia's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her nine children, Joseph (Pam Rhodes) Blackburn, Edward (Susan Hansen) Blackburn, Beth (Larry) Yakich, Peter (Rachel) Blackburn, Marty Blackburn, Gabrielle (Rich) Zarnowski, Eileen (Jim) Weglarz, Matthew (Gina) Blackburn, and Patti (Joel) Geisz; 21 grandchildren, Dan Blackburn, Rachel Carlson, Nick (Chanel) Yakich, Kyle (Christina) Yakich, Lexie (Walter) Banasiak, Catherine Blackburn, Erin Blackburn, David Zarnowski, Andy (Sarah) Zarnowski, Becky Zarnowski, Tony Zarnowski, TJ (Alice) Weglarz, Jessica Weglarz, Veronica Weglarz, Riley Blackburn, Ryan Blackburn, Katie Geisz, Darby Geisz, Emily Geisz, Zoey Geisz, Samuel Geisz; and her seven great-grandchildren, Sadie and Reed Carlson, Mya, Nichole, Jackson, and Maxwell Yakich, and Remy Yakich. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Arthur Blackburn, in 2005; her parents, Edward and Mary Alblinger; and her precious great-grandson, Elliott Richard O’Donnell, who was born sleeping on March 31, 2025. Elliott was the beloved son of Becky Zarnowski and Jack O’Donnell, and his eagerly awaiting grandparents, Gabrielle and Rich Zarnowski.

While Patricia will be deeply missed, her family and friends find comfort in the hope of the Resurrection and the promise that they will be reunited again in God’s eternal embrace.

A Memorial Gathering for Patricia Ann Blackburn will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A chapel prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. The family invites everyone to wear their favorite Cubs, Bears, or Irish attire in celebration of Patricia's life. Prayers will begin at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a procession to Queen of Apostles Catholic Parish (main campus) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be made in her name to the charity of the donor’s choice.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

· Visit Fred C. Dames on Facebook

· Order Flowers

· Healing Resources