Patricia V. Egan Turner

Patricia V. Egan Turner, 84, passed away Friday, February 21, 2025 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL. Born July 10, 1940 in Aurora, IL. Patsy was the first of five children to Paul F. Egan, an avid writer and two-term Mayor of Aurora, and Patricia L. Mangan, the studious daughter of a Judge and learned pianist.

Brought up by stern parents with a religious devotion, Patsy was earnest, headstrong, and a dedicated student. Spending part of her childhood in Arizona due to asthma, she learned from her two aunts and grandmother the importance of God and music.

Returning to Aurora to complete her education, Patsy graduated from Holy Angels and Madonna High School, taking part in clarinet classes and the Glee Club. Courses in Latin stoked her passion for language and a love for others came from Patsy’s time as a nurse’s assistant.

From skiing trips to Switzerland, she found joy in French and pursued her studies at Dominican University (formerly Rosary College) in River Forest, IL. Patsy’s summer’s were spent learning as much as she could; in both language and friendship! With many exchange trips to France, she’d forge a life-long bond with her host family.

Upon graduation in 1962, Patricia’s teaching career quickly took off! She taught French and English at Itasca North and Madonna High School. In 1965, Patsy sought even greater heights by becoming a French Assistant at Champaign Urbana’s U of I, began teaching at Urbana High in 1966, and soon after that had earned a Master’s degree in 1967.

Patricia continued to teach at Urbana High and was an active member in many organizations for learning; from Delta Kappa Gamma’s Iota Chapter, American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), National/Illinois Education Association (NEA/IEA), and the American/Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL/ICTFL), her presence and voice in the community grew.

At one such council event, Patsy met the love of her life, Albert; another enthusiastic educator of Spanish. Following their union in April 1978, she went on to teach French at Winnetka’s New Trier High School in 1979. Well respected and accomplished, Patsy founded the International Club and served as sponsor up until her retirement in 2005.

Known to be stubborn, fiercely dedicated, and immensely empathetic, Patsy held herself strong and taught many thousands of students over her lengthy career. From helpful packets, playful tests, and challenging conversations, she pushed students to be the best they could be, not just in language! With both an attention to detail and composure that was second to none, she blazed her own trail in life.

Patricia is survived by her brother Paul E. Egan of Los Angeles, CA, her sister Margaret (Egan) Barker of Rocky Ford, CO, and her twin sons, Alexander and Michael Turner of Arlington Heights, IL. Cremation arrangements were made through Neptune Society, 2380 Hicks Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, 847-278-9295.