Patricia Ann Santoro, 81, of Estero, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, in Naples, Florida. Born on July 21, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Angela (née Tarczon) Hayes.
Patricia grew up in the Chicago area and was a proud graduate of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL. After completing her schooling, she worked for a time as a hairdresser—a role in which her warm personality and caring nature shone brightly.
After raising her family, Patricia began a fulfilling career in the airline industry. She first worked as a reservationist, gate agent and then later moving into baggage services, serving with both Eastern Airlines and American Airlines. Her dedication, steady presence, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on her colleagues and the many travelers she assisted throughout the years.
Formerly a resident of Schaumburg and Huntley, IL, Patricia became a full time resident of Estero in 2016 after wintering here since the beginning in 2010, Patricia cherished the community and friendships she found in Florida while remaining deeply connected to her roots in Illinois. All who know her would agree that she was always the life of the party. She loved spending her time playing word games, solving Sudoku puzzles, reading on her iPad and most importantly cooking her family’s favorite foods all while hopefully being able to watch a Cubs game —simple joys that brought her relaxation and contentment.
Patricia’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her three loving children: Kelly Eliscu of Huntley, IL, Tina Yale and her husband, Jeff, of Estero, FL and Jason Santoro and his wife, Lisa, of Algonquin, IL. along with her four cherished grandchildren: Emily (Riley), Lauren, Vincent, and Benjamin. She also leaves behind her three brothers—James Hayes (Frances) of Crystal Lake, IL, Edward Hayes (Mary) of Henry, IL, and Thomas Hayes (Gloria) of Arizona and many caring in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two sisters Rita and Joanne, her beloved Husband of 50 years, Leonard, and her daughter, Deborah Ann Santoro.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 10am until a time of service at 12pm and DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL.
The service will be livestreamed. Paste this link into your browser to view the livestream: https://plan.passare.com/planner/encore/event/31988254
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