Danielle Alice Lange (nee Patocco)

“Danielle” /”Mom”/ “Mémè ”, loved her family and the USA, where she became a U.S. citizen over 50 years ago. She was born in France in 1937 and lived her early life in a World War II war zone in Northeastern France. After spending months living in an underground bomb shelter, she always remembered a young American soldier opening a hatch freeing her and her family and several members of her town, signaling the end of the War. Her father was a prisoner of war but safely returned home after years in captivity.

After college, Danielle worked for NATO as she was fluent in English, French, German, and Italian. In 1956, she met the love of her live, Richard E. “Dick” Lange while they worked for NATO serving their respective countries. In May 1958, Danielle and Dick were married at the St. Nicolas Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port in France. Later that year they left France and relocated near Chicago. Together, they raised their 5 children in Palos Heights, where she lived for nearly 48 years also enjoying her 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Danielle was an accomplished teacher for over 50 years in the Archdiocese of Chicago. She taught elementary students Language Arts and found her most beloved position as a French teacher at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, Chicago. During her nearly 30 years at McAuley, she made many dear friends throughout her tenure.

Danielle was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dick Lange; her parents, Louis Patocco and Adila Patocco nee Laurent and her sisters, Josiane (Serge) Galantini and Irene Peclier. Danielle is survived by her brother Jean Marie (Ghislaine) Patocco, her 5 children: Thomas (Tami), Steven (Karen), Richard (Michelle), Monique, James (Jacqueline), her 16 grandchildren: Brian (Elizabeth), Kevin (Kyleigh), Chelsea (Keith), Lauren (Matt), Steven, Danielle, Connor (Danica), Jack, Geno, Parker (Devon), Madeleine, Henry, Brendan, Thomas, James, and Sean and her 6 great grandchildren: Thomas, Francesca, Nicolas, Lana, Nolan and Collin.

***COVID 19 mandates; masks are required to attend the funeral services; no prolonged gathering is allowed in order to accommodate all guests paying their respects and funeral home kitchen is closed to food and refreshments.

Visitation Monday, March 29th from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Chapel prayers at 11:30 a.m. at the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights proceeding to St. Alexander’s Catholic Church, Mass of Christian burial 12 p.m. Click the link to Sign Up for Mass: https://forms.gle/iZBiSqQssU9dHhPm6

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you donate in memory of Danielle, to the French Department at Mother McAuley High School, Attn: Mme. Roz Sunquist 3737 W. 99th Street Chicago, Illinois 60655. Phone Number 773-881-6500.