Patricia Ann SanFillippo

Our beloved Patricia ( Butler) SanFillippo passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at home surrounded by her family.   Pat was born March 13, 1924 in Evanston, Illinois to Jerome Butler, a Civil Engineer, and Eleanor (Troost) Butler, one of the first kindergarten teachers.   Pat was a graduate of UW Madison, where she obtained her Master's degree. She taught Spanish and English at Oconomowoc High School and Edgewood High School in Madison. Her love and devotion to teaching and inspiring her students gave her great joy throughout her life.   Pat married Sam SanFillippo in the University Chapel in 1946. They raised their family in Madison. For many years she assisted her husband, Sam, with the operation of Fitch Lawrence SanFillippo Funeral Home, the oldest Funeral Home in Madison, established in l849 by Demming Fitch. Sam continued operations of the funeral home after Edward and Selma Lawrence. The funeral home is now owned by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service.   Patricia was an avid bridge player her entire life, enjoyed playing the violin and entertaining her 9 great-grandchildren. She was one great wife and mom and there's not a day that will go by that she will not be missed.   Pat is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Sam; daughters; Melanie (Fred Petrie) SanFillippo of Milwaukee and daughter Ellie SanFillippo-Ketelsen of Madison; grandchildren   Jon (Kelsey) Petrie, Michael (special friend Sasha) Petrie, Stephen (Joree) Ketelsen, Sam (special friend Mandi) Ketelsen and Sarah (special friend Nick) Ketelsen; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Samuel, Lucas, Zakary, Abbi, Ellah, Camdyn, Elijah and Tessa. She is further survived by a brother, Jerome Butler of Chicago Illinois, former city architect and many other relatives and friends.   There will be a Funeral Service for Pat at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 6021 University Ave. on Tues. Feb. 15, 2011 at 1:00 p m. with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding along with Father Heitke. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 11:30 a. m. until the time of service at the funeral home.   Pat looked for the best in everyone and her generosity and compassion were unsurpassed. May her spirit live forever in the hearts of those left behind.