Frances Geraldine Patricia Mistretta Alford (Pat) went to be with the Lord on March 9, 2023.

She was born February 4, 1927 in Waco, Texas to Vincent Mistretta and Josephine Raia Mistretta. She spent her entire childhood in Waco along with her older sister, Rose. She graduated at age 16 as valedictorian of Waco High School. She attended Baylor University graduating in 1946 at age 19 with a degree in Chemistry and minors in Mathematics, English, and German.

After graduation, she moved to Texas City, Texas where she worked as a chemist for Union Carbide. It was there that she met the love of her life, Nathaniel Jefferson Alford (Nat). They married in 1952 and resided in LaMarque. Together they had 3 children, Nathaniel Jefferson, Jr. (Jeff), Timothy Vincent (Tim),, and Michael William (Mike). She was a stay-at-home Mom until her boys were in school at which time she became a very active substitute teacher. The family was faithful attendees of Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She and Nat  were married for 56 years and remained in LaMarque until his death in 2008.

She then moved to the Terrace Retirement Community in Houston where she met many new friends and participated in many activities there. She especially enjoyed the hymn sings there with her friends. Her godson would accompany with the piano. During Covid, she learned about Zoom on her computer and joined a daily Rosary group with ladies from Beaumont, Texas.

Throughout her life she had many hobbies including playing games, reading, writing poetry, and working chemistry equations. Perhaps her biggest hobby (or gift) was cooking and serving her family and friends. She also liked telling jokes especially to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Just prior to her death for her 96 ^th birthday she had the privilege of having a party that included her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Jeff and his wife Danette, Tim and his wife Virginia, and Mike and his wife Terri; grandchildren Nathan Alford (Victoria), Leigh Anne Mann (Jason), William Alford (Melody), Amanda McNeil (Orrie), Angie Slicker (Ryan), Jonathan Alford (Katie), Sarah Barrera (Stephen), and Andy Benitoa (Melissa); 17 great grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Frances Alford; 10 nieces and nephews to whom she was very close; and too numerous of friends to count.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Graeme McDaniel Foundation: https://graememcdanielfoundation.org

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.