Belvidere, ILPatricia Ann Ellwanger Courtade Streit, 77, died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 26, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. Born February 18, 1935, in Capron, Illinois to Harry and Charlotte (Goodall) Ellwanger. Attended and graduated from Capron High School. Patricia married Joseph Donald Courtade on April 2, 1955. She worked at Admiral in Harvard, IL and then for Arnold Engineering for 40 years before retiring in 1997. Patricia was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Capronite Homemakers Extension, Belvidere Moose, an Election Judge and a volunteer for the Boone County Council on Aging. Patricia loved to attend the Boone County Fair, of which she was a life-time member. She was an avid gardener, loved to knit, an excellent cook, loved to fish, and loved spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband to whom she married on June 25, 1988, Ronald V. Streit; three daughters Debby (Fred) Faley of Yacolt, WA, Charlotte (Tom) Deneen of Marengo, IL and Brenda (Dave) Walter of Hebron, IL; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her brother, Gene Ellwanger; sisters, Valerie (Tom) Plencner and Loretta (Horace) Fox; aunt Clara and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Patricia is predeceased by her parents, first husband, Donald, and a brother.Pat faced her cancer with strength, determination, and courage with lack of complaint, which was her characteristic nature her entire lifetime. No matter the difficulty or heartbreak, she met each challenge with strength and wisdom. She was a beautiful, sweet person with a very kind and caring heart. She was a devoted and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her loving kindness, thoughtfulness, and good humor will be greatly missed by all that were fortunate to know her. Pat's memory will remain as bright as her spirit and will comfort all that mourn her passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in care of the family for the American Lung Cancer Society and a memorial for the family to be determined at a later date.