Retired bank executive was known for her hats and stints as church emcee

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Updated: January 23, 2012 2:36AM

Patricia Brown LeNoble knew how to work a crowd.

A longtime emcee for church events and other volunteer work, Mrs. LeNoble was a performer at heart, vivacious and animated until the end.

She was most famous for her rendition of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” which she sang just about every year for more than 30 years at various community events.

She also kept a kazoo with her at all times, ready to provide entertainment at a moment’s need.

“She had a larger-than-life personality,” said Maggie Downs, a friend of the LeNoble family. “She always wanted people to be involved and excited about what they were doing. She was very enthusiastic about life.”

Mrs. LeNoble, a retired bank executive, died on May 29 at the Scottish Home in North Riverside after a broken hip caused a steady decline in her overall health, her daughter Nancy Strolle said. She was 88.

A longtime resident of Palos Heights, Mrs. LeNoble was also known as the “Hat Lady.” She owned close to 100 hats to match her outfits in all four seasons. Around Christmastime, she would make her own hats, sometimes decorated with poinsettias.

Mrs. LeNoble was a fashion model as a young woman, and she maintained an elegant look throughout her life. Even in retirement she was perfectly coiffed and fashionably dressed, according to Lorrie Michael, secretary of the Lakeside Lawn Bowling Club, an organization Mrs. LeNoble participated in.

On Jan. 18, 1923, Mrs. LeNoble was born in the British Islesto her Scottish parents. Her family moved to Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood in 1927, but she stayed true to her Scottish roots. She was active in the Illinois Saint Andrew Society and the Scottish Home, and for many years she was in charge of the Scotland Christmas tree at the Museum of Science and Industry’s “Christmas Around the World” exhibit.

Mrs. LeNoble, who retired as a vice president of Chicago City Bank and Trust Co., was also involved at the Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church.

“There was a ‘Pat LeNoble Pew,’ in the furthest back row, said the Rev. James R. Tony, senior pastor. “It was a good spot for somebody who is tall and wears hats.”

Aside from her daughter, Nancy Strolle, Mrs. LeNoble is survived by her husband, John, daughter, Nancy Strolle, and two granddaughters. Services have been held.