Patricia Louise Dennis

Our beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt, sweet Nana Pat, and Great-Nana, Patricia Louise (Cella) Dennis of Mission Viejo, CA, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 19, 2022 at the age of 92. Patricia was born in Chicago, IL on March 9, 1929 to Louis Edward Cella, MD and Beatrice Rocca Cella. She is predeceased by her husband Robert John Dennis, by one sister, Angela and one brother, Louis and survived by two brothers, George and Jim and a multitude of nieces and nephews in Illinois and other United States. She is also survived by her 5 children: Mark, George, Linda, Suzanne, and Michele as well as 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren throughout the United States.

She was a graduate of Rosary College in Chicago earning a Bachelor Degree in English. She worked part time as an art teacher in her early adulthood and then while raising her large family and managing the household, she earned her certification as a Medical Assistant.

She worked with a Hematology/Oncology Group of Orange County for many years, not only caring for very sick patients, but ministering to their hearts and souls as well during their sickness. Her skills were recognized and eventually she managed the back office of the practice.

Later, she became front office manager and when patients or their caregivers would call with medical questions, she could in many cases, readily provide the answers.
She then moved back to Mount Prospect Illinois to care for her mom, Nana Bea, continuing to work full time for a group of general surgeons, again recognized for her knowledge, managing the front office. She finally retired at about age 72 and after Nana Bea’s passing, moved back to Southern California.

She was very special to many people. We will all profoundly miss her, especially her cute laugh and her generous and loving spirit!