Rebecca "Becky" Sue Elam

Rebecca “Becky” Sue Elam age 72, passed away on June 9, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. A beloved sister, daughter, and the fun-loving “Aunt Becky” to many, she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unshakable strength. Born on May 11, 1953, to Warden and Ruth (Milk) Elam, Becky graduated from Westview High School and Kankakee Community College. While in college, she worked at Thrift-T-Mart in Kankakee. After college, she was a Radiography Technician at St Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. She was married to the late Michael Patchett and was a stepmother to Matthew. Becky was known for her indomitable spirit --- she surprised many doctors and specialists with her fierce determination to live fully despite the challenges of her illness. In the kitchen, Becky was a force of flavor. Her homemade spaghetti always never had enough garlic, and her salsa, broccoli rice casserole, and Fideo soup were family favorites. She brought joy to those around her not just through food, but through her infectious laugh ---complete with a signature shoulder shrug --- and her radiant smile. A lover of classic films, music and testing her knowledge while watching Jeopardy, Becky cherished The Wizard of Oz, adored Bette Midler, and could often be found playing tunes on her harmonica. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dogs, Abby and Annie. Traveling was one of her joys, always looking forward to her next adventure. Becky is survived and lovingly remembered by her sisters, Cindy Elam and Marlene (Daryle) Albers; brothers Russ (Betsy) Elam and Glenn (Vicki) Elam; and her many nieces and nephews, Brad(Lynette) Elam, Cara Leonard, Todd and Chad (Katie) Albers, Denise (Kevin) DeCarlo, Derek (Sharon) and Brett (Jaclyn) Elam, Melony (Jeremy) Michaud, Megan (Kevin) Brightling, Andrew Elam, and Jessica (Ryan) Friedericks. She also leaves behind special friends Jim and Beverly Nesbitt, Steven and Jan St. John, Mike Mitchell, her former work colleagues and the Patchett family, who were all an important part of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Patchett; her parents; her brothers, Richard Elam and Lee Elam; and her nephew, Matthew Elam. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Miller for their compassionate care, and to Dr. Thomas and Dr. Abraham; and others who supported Becky through the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to River Valley Animal Rescue or to family wishes. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the 1:00 p.m. service on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes, Bourbonnais. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

Rebecca "Becky" Sue Elam

May 11, 1953 - June 9, 2025