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Miller, Patricia "Patty" (nee Bekker), 47, passed away March 14. Born in Chicago, November 10, 1965, she graduated from Waters Elementary School and Lane Technical High School. Patty left her modeling career in 1990 to start Big Hair, a rock 'n roll hair salon that became a Roscoe Village anchor. She made her diverse clientele look good and feel good. In 1994, she married Bruce Miller and they settled in Rockwell Gardens. A member of Luther Memorial Church, Patty supported local charities, local businesses and the Lincoln Park Zoo. She introduced her children to many places in Chicago special to her. She was the beloved mother of Gwendolyn, Luke and Scott; daughter of Marles and Josef Bekker; sister of Teresa Bekker and her partner Zbigniew "Adam" Grzegorczyk; Anne and James Jaeger, all of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial: Saturday, March 30, 6 pm, Big Hair, 2012 W. Roscoe.
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I remember Patty going to seniors' homes to cut and style. When I told her that I had a collection of old-time radio shows on cassette she she "persuaded me" to share them with her clients.No one could say NO to Patty because you just knew her intent was to help someone who needed help.
James Malleck
March 23, 2020
Every St. Patrick's Day ,I will always remember you , the saddest day of my Life, was coming to your shop and giving you a bottle of wine. March 17,2013 RIP !I'm so glad I spent so much time with you 2013 !My dream came True !You are in Heaven almost 7 years ,you were the Lady Gaga of Roscoe Village !
Tommy Reynolds
October 17, 2019
We saw Blonde and Devo @ the Chicago Theatre,I am glad we went and I saw her last concert with her @ the Chicago Theatre .
Tommy
January 22, 2015
Patty was the greatest,I will never forget her ,she was a great friend and we shared a lot of great memories . Patti was the hottest chic in Roscoe Village. Tommy
January 22, 2015
I found out in June about Patty's passing, and was shocked. Patty cut my hair since 1991 I believe and was the first person to put a shock of blond in my hair, I loved going to Big Hair and catching up on Patty's life, her kids and getting to know the other stylists. I send many thoughts and prayers to her family at this time. Carolyn H.
July 25, 2014
OMG I can't believe it!!!! I had moved away from Chicago so haven't seen Patty for several years. What a shock! I am so sad.
Nancy DeFista
June 11, 2014
It is with great sadness that I found out about Patty's passing a year ago... I worked for her at Big Hair along with Shannon, Alise and Dora in 2000-2003 before I moved to Florida. She is a wonderful person and a great friend. Rest in peace, Patty! Your friend, Lan
Lan Le
March 29, 2014
I was a 20-year customer of Patty at Big Hair..
I stopped by Big Hair several times over the summer to get my hair cut but always found the place closed. I figured Patty had finally gotten priced out of her space, because the last time I had spoken to her, she said that her landlord had raised the rent again.
Yesterday I went to Hairitics in Logan Square to get my hair cut & colored. During causal conversation I had mentioned that I was a long time customer of Big Hair but I figured that Patty had just grown tired of the business and decided to move on. It was only then that one of the stylists told me that she was certain that Patty had passed away.
I am still in disbelief & shock. Like many of the tributes I have since read, Patty had grown to be a friend over the years. We had shared so many ups & downs of each others lives, always reminiscing about our club days dancing at Neo, 950, Smart Bar, and Exit or great punk shows we had seen over the years.
In the past few years Patty had shared with me personal as well as professional difficulties. We talked about dreaming of moving away to a sustainable commune in New Orleans. She shared with me how her kids were doing, and as always we talked about upcoming street festivals and the joys of city life.
I will miss her. I will never forget her. I feel as though a small part of me has passed away too. Goodbye Patty!
Brian Blank
November 10, 2013
Patty saved me from a life of failure by believing in me and giving me a job at her shop. It changed my life. Her kindness and unconditional love still to this day holds heavy in my heart. Big Hair was my passion, and my first real job. Patty gave me a chance when no one else did. I am successful today because of her and I will miss her very much. I will carry her legacy on in my professional life as long as I live. The friendships and synergy that spawned from her positive energy are unforgettable and unshakeable.
Ashley "Queenie"
October 15, 2013
Thank You Patty for everything You have done for Me. I will always remember You with a Loving heart. Thank You for believing in Me for a hairstylist. I will miss You very much.
Tammy Curtis
September 24, 2013
I just found out about Patti today. I went to high school with Patti, took her aerobics class when she taught at Womens Workout World and had my hair done at her salon. Patti was a warm hearted fun loving person . She will be missed dearly. My condolences go out to her children and family. Rest in peace.
Susan Boehm-Limbrunner
August 17, 2013
I didn't know Patty died. i am in such shock and disbelief. I will miss her very much.She had cut my hair for many many years. love you always.
Lisa Castillo
June 25, 2013
I am in total shock. I have been going by the shop for the past few weeks to see if she was there to get my hair cut. I finally found out on yelp. I have known patty for over 20 years since Dreamerz and the old Wicker Park days. I am totally numb. RIP Patty, the only stylist who gave me a decent cut at a decent price, Fantastic person too.
Wayne Kusy
June 18, 2013
Patty cut my hair for nearly 20 yrs; never had a bad cut all those years. She was terrific in every sense: friendly, warm, interested in other persons' work. I'll miss her enormously. Heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. She was wonderful.
Renato Barahona
May 26, 2013
I remember PATTY as a loving and caring person who made "haircut house calls" for seniors.She would even distribute tapes of Old Time Radio Shows i had given to her.
James Malleck
May 17, 2013
Patty always shone the light on others. She was so thoughtful, generous, and compassionate. Sitting in her chair was like a therapy session. She would always make you feel better...and beautiful. so so sad.
Karen Carter Lynch
April 25, 2013
I had many good haircuts and convos in Patty's chair over the years. And, when I needed a buzz cut before starting chemo, I didn't even think about going elsewhere. My deepest condolences to her family. rest in peace, patty.
Elisa A.
April 11, 2013
Tragic. Like many of you, Patty or her team cut my hair for 20 years - back in the $4.00 cut days. It was always a treat to drop by. Condolences to her children, family, siblings, neighbors and clients.
Joseph Hanc
April 11, 2013
Patty has been cutting my hair for over 20 yrs. I always looked forward to her company while she cut my hair. She was a beautiful and very caring person. She will be missed greatly. God Bless her family
Ann H
April 10, 2013
Patty has cut my hair since I was a child & pierced my ears. growing up in Roscoe Village she always had something extra to offer. All the young girls looked up to her she was are "Carrie Bradshaw". She was more than a stylist she was a friend to many. My deepest condolence's to her family may she rest in peace.
Nicole Garza
April 6, 2013
Patty cut my hair for over ten years. She was such a sweet,kind.and fun lady.And obviously an incredible businesswoman also.I'm going to have a hard time getting my hair cut because I still have this cut to remember her by.I tell you through tears rest in peace Patty.
Terry
April 5, 2013
I went to Lane Tech with patty. I remember when she started Big Hair.Gave me the best 80s big hair ever. I am shocked and saddened at this lose of too young and beautiful of a person. My condolences.
Glenna Grimsley
April 3, 2013
So so sad. Patty was very special to our family. We will miss our time spent with her at Big Hair and the wonderful ways she made us feel. She inspired so many fun family outings with all that she shared of her own. Gwen, Luke and Scotty you brought great joy to your mom. My thoughts are with you.
Rest in Peace Patty.
Lloy Johnston
April 1, 2013
Cindy DeMarco
April 1, 2013
Cindy DeMarco
April 1, 2013
Cindy DeMarco
April 1, 2013
Rest in peace patty. You made a lot of people look and feel good about themselves, and you have 3 beautiful kids. Your memory will live on in the hearts of so many. Can't believe you are gone.
Deb Doetzer
March 31, 2013
Patty cut my hair for two decades. She was a friend and confidant, and sometimes I got to take pictures for her. Losing her at such an early age is so sad. My thoughts are with her children (whom she always talked about and loved very much) and her family.
Tony May
March 30, 2013
May you rest in peace. You will be missed.
Lynda
March 30, 2013
I don't even know where to begin. Patty was one of the coolest, kindest, and most generous people I have ever known. From never charging me for a haircut, helping me keep my dreadlocks looking cute, making me feel beautiful when I was bald from chemo poisons ravaging my body, and giving my then-teenager her first ever job at the salon and then entrusting the care of her three beautiful kids to that same daughter's care simply because she was my daughter care, Patty had it all as a business woman, a community icon and a friend. She is and will be missed for a very, very long time. Hope you caught a good star, Patty.
Robin Fiedler
March 30, 2013
Patty was a force of nature, generous, smart and independent. Her death is a tragedy. Gwen, Luke and Scott inherited her beauty and I will think of her every time I see them.
Leslie Landrigan
March 30, 2013
I was a faithful customer for many years before moving away from Chicago. She gave my son his first haircut at 18 months. Even here in Paris, I have yet to find a salon with the same grunge-chic. She will be sorely missed.
Elizabeth Cholet
March 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Patty's family
Dean Buzanis
March 29, 2013
This is so tragic. Patti was such a kind soul and I'll miss her.
Jen Bogardus
March 29, 2013
Pattys' spirit lives on in Gwendolyn, Luke and Scotty, her three beautiful children. Rest in Peace,Patty. I loved you. Maybe we will meet again in NOLO.
Clare Silliman
March 29, 2013
So sad to hear about this...Patty was the coolest...
Thomas Klein
March 29, 2013
will always love and miss ya
mrnorm mrnorm
March 29, 2013
I was stunned and devastated to hear the news of Patty's passing. She was eternally optimistic and filled with infectious enthusiasm for art, music, and life; but most of all for her children. We were friends for decades, but the sweetest memories I have of Patty are those we shared as mothers. My heart breaks for Gwen, Luke and Scotty; also for her parents and sisters. This world is a lesser place without my truly awesome friend Patty in it.
Cindy DeMarco
March 29, 2013
I loved Patty, had many great cnversations at the chair. my condolences to her family.
Nils St Cyr
March 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and children. I will always have fond memories of our years at Lane Tech. Patty, you left us way too soon and I will miss you.
Kulmeet Galhotra
March 29, 2013
Patty was an inspiration, and I will miss her everytime I'm in Roscoe Village. Rest in peace, sweet Patty! :'(
Anthony Enderle
March 28, 2013
So very sorry for the loss of everyone that knew this bold & beautiful person. She had a heart of gold. My deepest sympathy to her family. She is deeply missed by many. A friend of more than 20 years...May she rest in peace until we meet again one day.
Julie Alleyne
March 28, 2013
I was so shocked to find out about Patty. She was a kind, compassionate, talented, beautiful and smart woman. She empowered me by supporting and carrying my first music magazine in her shop. She provided a place of solace and beauty in her talent and gifts to the community. Patty is adored and missed by many.
Beth Gosnell
March 28, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Patty's family and close friends. I was a long term client of hers at Big Hair so I have known her for many years. I was deeply saddened to hear the news.
Sally Timms
March 28, 2013
Patty and her talent will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Jackie Arreguin
March 28, 2013
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