Dr. Patricia G. Fox died March 28, 2023. She was a resident of Kohler, WI. Patricia was born in Sheboygan, WI, in 1945 to the late Germaine C. Fox and Vern H. Fox.
Patricia obtained a bachelor’s degree in 1972, master’s degree in Public Health/Family Nurse Practitioner in 1976, master’s degree in Sociology 1986, and Ph.D. in Sociology in 1988, all completed at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Following graduation from her doctoral program, she accepted a competitive position as the Director of Education for Tom Dooley Heritage, New York working with hilltribe refugees in Northern Thailand and Burma. Her work there substantially lowered infant and maternal mortality, improved nutrition, decreased communicable diseases and improved sanitation.
After her return in 1990, she accepted a position at the University of Illinois, Chicago as Assistant Professor. There she taught multiple courses in community, public and global health while continuing her research built on her dissertation work, studying the effects of violence on Southeast Asian refugee women and children.
Patricia was the recipient of multiple university, college and student awards for excellence in teaching. Her funded research resulted in multiple publications in international and national refereed journals. As an executive governing council member at UIC, she worked with the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Health Association as a recognized global expert in primary care to develop public health programs in developing countries.
In 1999, she was recruited to join the faculty at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL College of Health and Human Services as Associate Professor. At that time, she was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing, nursing’s most prestigious national recognition. Her research continued with Southeast Asian refugee women and children which led to the development of health education programs that included identifying children who were at risk for depression in Chicago’s inner city middle schools. Patricia was inducted into Phi Beta Delta, an Honor Society for International Scholars as recognition of her accomplishments developing primary care programs for refugees globally, research and publication scholarship. In 2008 she was promoted to Professor.
Patricia was preceded in death by two beloved companion pups, Sam and Bailey. She is survived by Peg Duehring, sister Whitefish Bay, WI, and Paul Fox, brother (Sue Hansen) Sheboygan, WI; Erin Brady, goddaughter (Brigid Condon) Milwaukee, WI; many cousins, nephews, great nieces and nephews; Joyce Shaffer, special friend (James Shaffer) Sheboygan, WI; and friends and colleagues.
It is her expressed wish that a service not be held, rather those she was close to remember her privately.
Patricia wishes to extend her deepest gratitude to S. Mark Bettag M.D. and staff, Gurinder Dhillon M.D. and staff, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their exceptional care and support.
Memorials may be directed to a humane society of choice, UNICEF, or Heifer International.
Wenig Funeral Home – Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for more information and online condolences.
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