Patricia J. Brett, age 87, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, went to the Lord on February 8, 2020. Pat was born on the South African goldfields in the town of Springs on July 17, 1932 to Walter and Frieda Paynter. She was the second youngest of five children. Pat was a gifted typist, a natural linguist, a talented wordsmith and gifted at handcrafts, especially knitting, chocolate making and creating intricate cross-stitch pictures. In 1980 she relocated with her husband, Ron, to Wheaton, Illinois, to work full-time at the headquarters of TEAM, The Evangelical Alliance Mission. After a period of adjustment, she settled into her new home and became an active member of the Pleasant Hill Community Church. In 1988 her daughter, Shirley, and husband, Mervin Langley, settled in Wisconsin where Pat played a crucial role in the lives of their six children. After moving permanently to Wheaton, she and Ron returned to South Africa on five occasions, the last visit being in March 1999. After Ron passed away on February 16, 2016, Pat spent the last four years in Windsor Park, surrounded by many friends and family. Despite physical ailments, she always remained positive and was known for her cheerful attitude to life, a wry sense of humor and a deep commitment to the Gospel of Jesus. She would openly speak about the long journey through life by the grace of God.

She is survived by her son, Michael, daughter, Shirley (Langley), son-in-law, Mervin Langley, eight grandchildren: Shaun Langley (Courtney Gallagher), Michelle Wagner (Jim Wagner), Garreth Langley (Meghan Langley), Allison Langley, Graeme Langley, Emma Langley, Andrew Brett and Matthew Brett, and five great grandchildren: Sam Langley, Ellie Langley, Neiko Wagner, Micah Wagner and Eden Langley. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ron, her siblings and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Windsor Park auditorium , 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. Interment will be held privately at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Pleasant Hill Community Church, 26W401 Geneva Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187 or the Windsor Park Benevolent Fund, 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188.