Patricia Dempsay

WILMINGTON—Patricia S. Swisher Dempsay, (née Uschold), 86, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Born May 28, 1939, in Milwaukee, WI, Patricia was the daughter of Herbert and Violet (née Mintzlaff) Uschold.
Patricia was first united in marriage to Dale E. Swisher on Nov. 11, 1959, in Joliet, and together they shared many years devoted to raising their family until his passing on Aug. 13, 1991. She later married Paul O. Dempsay on Jan. 8, 1993, at Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington, where they continued to build a life rooted in faith, love, and companionship.
Patricia dedicated nearly 20 years of service as a secretary for the United States Air Force. She was deeply involved in her community and faith, serving as a Sunday School teacher at Island City Baptist Church and as a member of the Wilmington Junior Women's Club.
She had a vibrant and social spirit, enjoying her years as a Tupperware dealer and manager, where she formed many lasting friendships. She also enjoyed spending her time reading and working on crossword puzzles. Above all, she will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother whose family meant everything to her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Dempsay, of Wilmington; her children: Dale A. (Janice L.) Swisher, Lynnette (Jesse) Cruitt and Justin (Barbara) Swisher, all of Wilmington; nine grandchildren: Stephanie (Aaron Rodgers) Swisher, Jackie (Cory) Lange, Jeremy Swisher, Teddie (Sarah) Cruitt, Michelle (Bobby) Maxson, Derek Swisher, Bryce (Cassandra) Swisher, Matthew Swisher, and Landon Dooley; eight great-grandchildren and one sister, Gail (Mike) Penning, of Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Dale E. Swisher; her sons, Phillip Swisher and Matthew Swisher; and her sister, Susan Droge.
Visitation will be held at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington, with Pastor Jeff Logston officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Patricia's name may be made to Island City Baptist Church, honoring her faith and many years of dedication to teaching and serving others.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, is entrusted with arrangements. www.rwpattersonfuneralhome.com.