DEKALB, Ill. — Patricia Anne McFail, 76, of DeKalb, Ill. and formerly of St. Petersburg, Fla., passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Oak Crest Retirement Center in DeKalb.

Mrs. McFail was born Oct. 27, 1940, in the daughter of Walter and Ruth (Nickerson) Lemke.

Pat was born in Lewiston and grew up in Lisbon Falls. She was very active in high school. She was captain of the cheerleading squad, played clarinet in the band, in chorus, and played softball. In 1962, she received her nursing degree from Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing.

She also married Eric McFail in November 1962. After the birth of their first two daughters, they moved to Florida and eventually settled in St. Petersburg, where Pat worked as a registered nurse in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Anthony’s Hospital for almost 30 years. Pat and Eric divorced in 1977.

After her children were raised and started their lives, Pat adopted two Bichon Frise dogs, Peppy and Patty, whom she cherished dearly. Her most recent adoptee was a darling Shitzu named Roger. She was happiest when she had a dog. Pat also inherited her mother’s green thumb and love of plants.

Upon retirement, she moved to Dekalb, Ill., and the joy of her life was spending time with her children and grandchildren, Teresa and Amelia. Pat also enjoyed lively games of Canasta and Wii bowling with her neighbors at Colonial House, where she also served on the social committee.

Pat was kind and accepting of everyone; nobody was a stranger to her — she was always willing to lend an ear and help where she could.

Mrs. McFail is survived by her sister, Martha (Bob) Parshley; her four children, Jennifer (Tony) Hernandez of Tallahassee, Fla., Janet McFail of Pueblo West, Col., Julie (Jeff) Weingarz of Sycamore, Ill., and Chris (Greg Toth) McFail of Clearwater, Fla.; two grandchildren, Teresa Hernandez and Amelia Weingarz; her nieces, Bethany (Jeff) Zeiler and Rachel Parshley; and her nephew, Will Parshley.

She was preceded in death by her parents.