Patricia Anne Still, nee Risley, the Special Events Coordinator at Holy Name Cathedral, passed away at the age of 74 on March 26, 2011, after battling pancreatic cancer.

Ms. Still was one of the first female graduates of the College of Architecture at the University of Houston. She did volunteer work for the Girl Scouts of America, including serving as a Girl Scout Leader.

She came to Chicago to work at Montgomery Ward, and later became the project manager at Brookdale Living Communities.

She attended the Catholic Theological Union and the Liturgical Institute at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, where she received her master's degree. The Liturgical Institute was established in 2000 by Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago.

Upon graduation, Ms. Still hoped to utilize her architectural expertise as a project manager building new churches or remodeling old churches in the Archdiocese, but no position was open. Instead, Ms. Still joined the staff of Holy Name Cathedral as the Special Events Coordinator where she oversaw weddings, funerals, the parish's annual fundraising gala, and many other events.

"Pat loved her unique role as the bridge between the great Cathedral and all the special events, especially the liturgical," said Monsignor Dan Mayall, pastor of Holy Name Cathedral. "She cherished working for Holy Name Cathedral."

Ms. Still was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Carter Still; and her parents, Clifford George Risley, Sr., and Arthemise Hennessey Risley. Mr. Risley was the principal trumpet player in the 1930s for the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

She is survived by a son, Ben James Still, and daughter-in-law, Kristen Still; a daughter, Krisandra Marie Still-Arnold, and son-in-law, Arthur Arnold; grandchildren, Sean Lauren Still, Kylie Samantha Baird, Brayden Patrick Baird, Samuel Carter Baird, Kristian Caleb Baird and Benjamin Still; two brothers, Clifford George "Tip" Risley, Jr. and Jerome Risley; and many, many friends.

Visitation Friday April 1, 2011 at Holy Name Cathedral Chapel, 30 E. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611 from 1 to 7:30 p.m., prayer service immediately following at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. Visitation will continue until 9 p.m.



Funeral Mass Saturday, 10 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

Donations may be made to Holy Name Cathedral in memory of Patricia Still.

For funeral information, Michalik Funeral Home, 312-421-0936.