Pat Ostewig

June 20, 1948 – December 19, 2007

 “The visual arts are made with the intention of stimulating the human senses and the human mind by transmitting emotions and ideas.”

We celebrate the life of one of our Founding Performing and Fine Arts Committee members, Pat Ostewig.   Pat was a woman of substance, one to be admired for complete dedication to others.  Her life centered on students young and mature.  She worked toward the betterment of her profession through professional development, locally, nationally and internationally.  As you read further you will see that Pat worked toward the betterment of society.  Upon reflection only a few individuals go through our lives that we can say bring a presence of genuine kindness towards others while touching our lives so completely.  She will be greatly missed but lives on through all of us.

Pat served on the Performing and Fine Arts Committee from 2003 till 2005.  During that time Pat was an active participant in helping the committee and the Foundation understand the artistic needs of students.  Through her endeavors Raku Kilns were purchased by the Foundation for Dundee Crown and Hampshire High School.

Pat’s life was dedicated to serving others.  Notably her thirty-four year career as a very talented art educator at Irving-Crown and Dundee-Crown High School touched thousands of students over her professional career.  Pat earned her bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University in fine arts and her master’s degree in education and library science from Northern Illinois University.  She often took young people to the Northern Illinois University School of Art Annual High School Invitational Exhibit walking away with many award winners.  In 2005 Pat retired from District 300.  Not leaving the profession behind, in retirement she was a “new teacher” mentor.

Her talents were spread across many service oriented organizations such as Delta Kappa Gamma Society, International, Illinois Lamda State, Gamma Xi Chapter whose mission it is “to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education”.  As an active member, currently as second vice president, she held seats of leadership.  Most recently she was the International Convention Art Exhibit chairwoman for their Passion for the Visual Arts Exhibit at the 2008 International Convention which will take place in June of 2008.  Through her work with this society Pat worked with educators from numerous countries as an educational travel leader for teachers in areas of South and Central America.

Locally Pat was an active member of the Dundee / Carpentersville League of Women Voters dedicated to upholding the constitutional rights of all citizens.  She held several seats of leadership in the League.  Recently she met with League area leaders and the President of the League to discuss the Leagues work toward mental health issues.   She trained as a Moderator for LWV Candidates' Forums and led several forums for local elections.  As Program Chair, she arranged some very interesting programs, which were open to the public as well as to league members.  Her artistic skills came into play when she designed invitations and other promotional materials for the League.  Most recently she served as President of the C-D area LWV and acted as liaison with the other leagues in the Fox River Valley.  She was always so enthusiastic about everything and that enthusiasm transferred to the rest of the members.

Pat’s faith life was very strong.  As a member of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church she served as a Eucharistic minister.  She also served as a parish council member. 

As an advocate of literacy Pat served as President of the Dundee Township Library Board.  She was a member of the Dundee Backyard Garden Club.