Patricia J. Koscielniak (nee Kania), age 89, formerly of Lansing, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in Munster, IN after a length illness. Born March 6, 1937 in Hammond, IN, Patricia was the cherished daughter and only child of John J. and Emily R. (nee Binkowski) Kania, and grew up in the Hegewisch neighborhood of Chicago. Pat was deeply proud of her Polish heritage, a heritage that shaped her love for family traditions and community.

After graduating from high school, Patricia started working for Prudential Insurance in downtown Chicago. She later put her talents to use as a trusted bookkeeper for many local businesses in Lansing, Illinois.

On September 27, 1958, she married Thomas A. Koscielniak, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 57 years. They shared a peaceful life dedication until Tom’s passing on February 11, 2016. Having walked through life by each other’s side, they will now be laid to rest together.

Though Pat was petite in stature, she possessed an immense warmth and gentle grace. She found enjoyment in the quiet creativity of arts and crafts, reading, listening to music and traveling. Above all else, she cherished simple moments spent with family, creating warm and lasting memories together.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas, her parents, and her aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by in-laws: Rose Marie (Ronald) Burgess (nee Koscielniak) of Arizona and Dan (Mary Lou) Koscielniak of Tennessee, along with many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many cousins, and a very special extended family in Ohio.

There is no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the lives of both Patricia and Thomas will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at All Souls Catholic Church (formerly St. Ann Church), 3010 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL. They will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, in Elwood, IL at 2:00 PM on Tuesday. There will be military honors for Thomas for his faithful service to our Country in the US Marine Corp.

Pat’s gentle spirit, quiet warmth, exuberant joy, and her unwavering faith will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by all who loved her.