Patricia Ann (Suchaczewski) Anderson

Patricia Ann (Suchaczewski) Anderson, 84, of Danville, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at her daughter, Melanie’s home in Danville.

Patricia (Patty) Ann Anderson was born January 24, 1942 in Danville, Illinois at St. Elizabeth hospital to Joseph and Dorothy Suchaczewski (née Wilson) of Westville.

In Patty’s youth, she attended St. Mary’s Church Grade School, learned to play the piano and learned to swim with Mrs. Nelson’s Turtles. She enjoyed visiting her grandparents, Hugh and Mabel Wilson, out in the country. As their first grandchild, she spent time with her ten aunts and uncles. During her teens, she worked at the Cool Spot in Westville, was a majorette in the marching band, a lifeguard at JC’s swim beach on Lake Vermilion during the summer, and graduated from Westville High School in 1959. 

Patty attended Illinois State University for one year where she was on the swimming and diving team. During that time, she injured her back by landing on the diving board and would suffer the consequences of that event for the rest of her life. She returned to Vermilion County to work at General Electric and purchased her “robin’s egg blue” Corvette. Through a mutual friend she lived with, she met Harold Lee Anderson of Catlin, whom she married on November 21, 1963 at the Vermillion County courthouse.

Patty and Harold resided in Catlin next door to his maternal grandmother, Ada Buckalew (a former mid-wife). They would have six children between 1964-1975 (three girls and three boys). In that time, she worked at Quaker Oats until a mass layoff. She and Harold divorced in 1977 over irreconcilable differences in lifestyle choices.

Patty landed a job working on the line at Continental Can Company which provided enough income to move herself and the children closer to Catlin schools in 1977. She would also supplement her income working temporary part-time jobs at Ogden Grill and Church’s Fried Chicken until she received a better offer working third shift at Peterson Filling (later becoming Kik Custom Products). Her last child, Hilary Jo was born in 1978. Patty took classes at Danville Junior College to further her career as a junior chemist in the raw materials lab, then later as chemist. Patty retired from Kik Custom Products at age 73.

Patty expressed that the most important thing in her life was her children. She attended their ball games, concerts, plays, awards ceremonies, and school functions despite her late-night job. She was an avid gardener (don’t mind the weeds) and a member of the Master Gardeners of Vermilion County after her retirement. She enjoyed traveling the southeast with family, particularly north Georgia and New Orleans. Following her oldest son Luke’s passing, she moved in with her daughter Melanie who cared for her until her peaceful passing (listening to Guns N’ Roses and looking out upon a green spring back yard.)

Patty is survived by daughter Julie Anderson and her husband Matthew Sigmon (Waleska, GA), son Wade Anderson and wife Anna Foote (Catlin, IL), daughter Melanie Anderson (Danville, IL), daughter Hilary and husband Tony Speich (Fithian, IL); grandchildren– Alex Watson, Jenna Bryant, Shaylee Anderson, Kaylin Caudell, Mitchel Anderson, Dakota Bryant, Mercee McGee, William Anderson, Gabrielle McGee, Mia Speich, Lillee McGee; great-grandchildren– Jet Hanshaw, Colter Bryant, Roxy Hanshaw, Covelynn Bryant, Holly Geno; and brother Joe and wife Cindy Such (née Allhands). She was preceded in death by her ex-husband Harold Anderson (2007), son Luke Anderson (2022), son Todd Anderson (2025), and daughter Holly Anderson (1992).

A graveside gathering will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. A social event will be held at the Catlin American Legion following the service.

Thank you to the Catlin community for your generous assistance and loving friendship throughout Patty’s life.

Condolences may be left at www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

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