Patricia Marie (Henning) Curtis

Pat was an amazing voice for the ones who could not speak for themselves. She brought passion and empathy to the workplace and spread so much joy and laughter around her. Her quick wit and hearty laughter echoed in her office where she welcomed everyone! I was fortunate to have interacted with Pat for several years and she will be missed dearly.

Pat was my supervisor for 12 years. However, she treated me as a colleague and was such a wonderful mentor for nearly half of my career with the state. She had an amazing ability to manage all of the personalities in our bureau. Trust me when I say that none of us were shrinking violets. She was such an effective advocate for those who were underserved. I learned so much from her. Pat will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to her family.

I was fortunate to work with Pat for 2 years. She was an amazing, energetic and welcoming lady. She was so passionate about helping unfortunate IL citizens receiving Medical Benefits. She was the encyclopedia of the Medicaid policy. IL will miss her forever. May her soul Rest In Peace.

Mark, Jenn, Payton, Riley, an Avery. So sorry to hear of the loss of Mark's mother, your Mother-in-law Jenn, and your girls grandma. I will be praying for your family for comfort and healing. Love all of you.

My deepest condolences to Pat's family and friends. She was my friend, colleague and supervisor at HFS.. I once told her that she tricked me into always trying to do my best by believing in me so much that I couldn't let her down. Pat made this world, and my world, a better place. She was loved and will be missed.

I worked with Pat in many of our various roles over the years. She was always good to work with even when we disagreed on direction. I am so sorry for your loss.

After working with Pat day in and day out for 9 years I was spoiled. Although, as she always liked to remind me she was 6 months younger than me, I actually always felt that she was my mentor. She wrote beautifully and very cogently and spoke to any size group convincingly, without notes and only referred to bullet points occasionally. She said what so many of us were thinking only she said it more eloquently. She made state and federal policies and legislation understandable to those around her. She stood up for those who were disadvantaged and found themselves on the margins of society. She was brave ... And she did all this with a mischievous sense of humor. I have never laughed so much or so consistently in a work environment. Although it's been over 30 years since we worked together my years of working with Pat were the highlight of my working years. She was so proud of her children and her grandchildren. I can only imagine the loss her family feels and my heart goes out to them.

Pat was a champion of all things good. Her work in Medicaid policy (where I knew her) helped so many people. Whether it was an individual case or big policy issue, you could count on Pat to work out the kinks. She world will miss her.

heartfelt condolences

I had the privilege of working with Pat for the last 3 or 4 years. She was always kind and full of positivity. She always had a way of making every person feel equally valued. The state of Illinois has lost an amazing advocate. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family. May you all find comfort in knowing that she was loved and valued by many many people.

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Pat for many years and always appreciated her knowledge, expertise and friendship. She was one of the kindest, most caring people I knew. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Pat was always engaging when we worked on mutual issues in the Illinois State Legislature. I was pleased to have her connect with the ALUUC (Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation), in which we expressed shared values.

I had never Pat in person, but we had many work meetings together. The sound of her cheerful voice always brought a smile to my face. She was easy to talk to and was passionate about her work. I am fortunate to have come across a wonderful person like her in my life. Truly admirable!

Pat was an amazing person who cared for many people. She was encouraging and a joy to work under. She will be truly missed.

Such an amazing kind person. She cared so much about others, and passionate about helping those less fortunate. You will be missed my friend. Lifting prayers.

Pat was such a kind and loving spirit. You never saw her without a ready smile and a kind word. RIP dear Pat.