Ad Book 2017

In Memory Of
Patricia Makris
Executive Director 1978-2010
Pat Makris placed her handprint on the hearts and minds of many. She was
involved with and dedicated to her family, friends and community. Pat Makris
was an exemplary leader and so much more than that. She was a visionary,
mentor and friend to many. She had a remarkable ability to see
strength, skills and potential in the people she interacted with. Pat shared
her skills unselfishly with others and acted as a coach, consultant and ambassador.
Pat’s visionary skills helped her to build the foundation of The Children’s Center
since its inception in 1978. mediocrity was not an option in Pat’s world
and she developed many quality programs, sites and services for the underserved
in Cicero and Berwyn. Pat began with a small after-school program
serving 28 children and expanded services for families to include Head Start, Early Head Start, Preschool for
All, Preschool, Infant-Toddler Day Care, and multiple parenting projects.
Viewing the community in a broad sense was natural to Pat. She saw the community beyond the borders of
The Children’s Center. Pat viewed the community in a global sense and was involved with outside clubs and
committees. Pat was a member of the Berwyn-Cicero United Way, Cicero Rotary, Berwyn Kiwanis, NAEYC, a
consultant for DCFS and many more.
Pat imagined quality education for herself and others. She obtained her education at Our Lady of Charity, J.
Sterling Morton Hight School, University of Illinois, Western Michigan University and earned her MBA from
Roosevelt University. Pat understood that education was the key to unlocking doors, breaking down barriers
and improving the quality of services for children and families. She worked tirelessly to bring quality education
to the children she served at the center as well as encouraging and coaching the employees in her
care to obtain a higher education not only fo self improvement but to bring education to the agency.
Pat took time to develop lifelong relationships with family, friends and professional colleagues. She was interested
in people’s lives and celebrated joys and happiness as well as mourned loss. Pat was connected to
people in a deep and meaningful way; she lived her life with passion and had the extraordinary ability to
make all people feel valued, cherished and respected. Pat had great love and admiration for culture, languages,
art and opera.
Many people feel they lost a piece of their heart with Pat’s passing. Ultimately, her life’s contributions will
live on in the hearts and minds of many. The Children’s Center has moved forward these past six years and
continues to serve the children and families of Cicero, Berwyn and the surrounding communities with the
same values and convictions instilled by Pat Makris.
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