Patricia Sue Rolfs

Patricia Sue Rolfs, age 77, of Evanston, Illinois, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Evanston Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 17, 1947, in Great Bend, Kansas, she was the fourth child of Donald William Rolfs and Mildred Harriet Haile.

Pat graduated as the valedictorian of Putnam City High School, class of 1965, before pursuing higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma City University and went on to complete her master’s degree at Northwestern University. Her professional journey spanned many years, during which she worked for Chemical Labs on Long Island, New York, the Evanston Public Library, and retired from Federal Life Insurance Company.

A passionate traveler, Pat visited numerous countries across Europe and the Middle East. She had a deep love for science and history, and her interests extended to conservation and wildlife preservation. Pat was especially devoted to the maintenance and preservation of the Evanston Lakefront Parks, with a particular fondness for the duck pond, where she made significant efforts toward its upkeep.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Betty Deroski, who passed in 2012. She is survived by her brother, Gary (Barbara) Rolfs of North Carolina, her sisters Linda Rolfs of New Mexico and Rachel (Bruce) Caim of New York, her nephew Jake Caim of Bloomington, IL, her niece Lindsay (Christopher) Calihan of New York, as well as two grand-nieces, Alexandria and Evelyn Caim, and a grand-nephew, Lucca Calihan.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Evanston Public Library or the National Audubon Society.

Pat’s quiet strength, dedication to her passions, and love for her community will be deeply missed.

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