OBITUARY FROM REES FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE:
Patricia R. Toscani (nee Wheeler), age 82, of Chesterton, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026. She was born on November 15, 1943, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Charles and Eleanor (nee Woodruff) Boswell.
On May 1, 1971, Patricia married the love of her life, Joseph Edwin Toscani, in Crown Point, Indiana. Together they built a family centered on love, learning, and support.
Patricia was a proud 1962 graduate of Hobart High School and went on to earn her master’s degree in science education. She devoted her life to education and retired from Lourdes Catholic School and Portage Adult Education, where she inspired countless students throughout her teaching career. Her students adored her, and she cherished the opportunity to help them learn and grow. Education was one of her greatest passions, and she believed deeply in the power of knowledge and lifelong learning.
Patricia was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family meant everything to her. She was always there to offer guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support to her children and loved ones. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and independence and instilled those values in those around her.
Outside of the classroom, Patricia enjoyed many interests and hobbies. She loved traveling and especially cherished time spent in the mountains, where she found beauty, peace, and adventure. She was a devoted fan of Godzilla, loved solving mysteries, and faithfully cheered on her favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats, and treasured the companionship of her beloved cat, Brigid.
Patricia is survived by her loving children, Anthony (Jodi) Toscani, Laura (James) Cook, and Jennifer (Greg) Potter; brother, Charles "Chuck" (Dana) Boswell; sisters, Elizabeth Papka and Kathleen "Susie" (Mike) Riley; grandchildren, Cory, Haley Rose, Ray, James, Lauren, Alyssa, Sebastian, Carter, Spencer, and Mark; great-grandchildren, Clara Rose, Liam, Calvin and Olaina; sister-in-law, Judy Boswell; and numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Edwin Toscani; her parents, Charles and Eleanor Boswell; and her brothers, Robert Boswell and Martin Hamlin.
A visitation for Patricia will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368. A sharing hour will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow.
For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.
This information and the picture below were obtained from: https://www.reesfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/patricia-toscani. The picture above was obtained from the 1962 HHS Memories yearbook, made available by the Lake County Public Library, at: https://archive.org/details/HOHS1962Images/.
