Florence Patricia "Pat" Semko, nee Halecki, age 85, born October 19, 1929 in Plains, Penn., to Paul and Nora, nee Wasmanski, Halecki passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015 at her home in Olney, Ill.

Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She shared a special bond with her only child, Mark. She was close to her family including her sister, Helcia "Helen," and two brothers, Leonard and Frankie. Her two best girlfriends, Carol and Tina, were her lifelong friends. Pat took pleasure in playing billiards and playing penny poker with her grandson, Scott. She also enjoyed watching her granddaughter, Elizabeth, dance.

She was an outgoing person and was always cheerful and high-spirited. Pat enjoyed cooking and baking and always seemed to be in the kitchen. Pat met her husband, Joe, at the Swoyersville, Penn. American Legion when he asked her to dance. They were married in Baltimore November 14, 1953. He was the love of her life, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

Surviving are her husband Joseph E. Semko of Onley, Ill., son Mark (Paula) Semko of Swansea, grandchildren Elizabeth and Scott Semko of Swansea, siblings Helcia "Helen" Lee of Wilkes-Barre, Penn., Leonard Halecki of Plains, Penn., and Frank Halecki of Baltimore, Md. Also surviving are countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and special caregiver Amanda Marks.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her special cousins Anne Hustey and Jackie Wasmanski.

Memorial donations are kindly requested to Burgin Manor or Hospice of Southeastern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

A Prayer Service will begin at 4:00 pm, Friday, January 30, 2015 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, with Rev. James Deiters officiating, followed by visitation until 6:00 pm.

Private burial services will be at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Illinois.