Patricia, AKA Pat was born on February 27, 1945 as Patricia Ann Wauson in Yoakum, Texas.   She was the second oldest of 7 children and lived in Yoakum until graduating high school from St. Joseph's Catholic High.  Afterwards, she went to live with her aunt in Baytown, Texas where she started working and soon met the man that would later become her companion for life

She met James Lalumandier and later married him on May 2, 1964 in Yoakum Texas. This marriage proved the test of time for 54 years because each was a devoted companion in a special and rare partnership.  James and Pat spent the next several years living and working different jobs all over Texas to help support their growing family made up of three sons which they cherished with great pride.

She was a homemaker at her core and devoted to her family with determination and resolve.  Sometimes it was hard and she would take occasional jobs to make ends meet.  But, things took a positive and unusual turn when they took a chance and returned home to Yoakum.   She and James soon found their "fit" and built the foundation that would become home for their family.

She had a love for the outdoors including camping, hunting and especially fishing.  She spent the following years making a point to share these moments with her children in a way that left lasting memories and an appreciation for some of God's finer gifts.

When the kids were in high school and soon off to college, Pat and James made the decision to buy a small country store called P&J's Grocery.  Pat managed the store for about 6 years and was able to bring in a little extra while the "kids" were in college.  Always a good cook, she soon developed a reputation for the best breakfast tacos and burgers in the region.  She had a loyal following from the surrounding towns, including her sons whom she made sure returned to college with a full belly and a sack of groceries that was the envy of their classmates.

As time moved on, the sons grew up and started families of their own and she took great joy in the grandchildren with a sense of care and patience that only a grandparent could have.  She shared stories and moments with them that sometimes brought a smile, tears or a bit of embarrassment to their parents however the case may be.

To sum up Pat's life in these few words is impossible, but for the best part of it, she was a wife and a mother.  Hard, soft, dedicated, unwavering, pained and suffered, but always loved.  Her steadfast commitment to her husband and family is rare today and serves as an example for those who follow in her footsteps.

"Things so near and yet so far

Lives of peace and beauty are

Then time upon one life brings

Love of such forgotten things"

S.R.L.2019