Patricia "Patti" Caruso Snear (1944-2019) went to be with our Lord on November 24, 2019, in Houston, Texas. Patti, the wife of Samuel Clayton Snear for 53 loving years, was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones when she passed away Sunday morning. Patti grew up in Southampton, New York, with her parents, Mario and Anne, and her sister, Jeanette. She attended Albright College where she was a cheerleader, a member of the Phi Alpha Tau sorority, and an accomplished athlete. Patti loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible soaking up the sun on the beach, playing tennis, and golfing. However, she is most known for her love of family and friends. Patti was happiest when she was hosting a group, no matter how small or large. With Patti there, a group quickly became a party, especially when it included her 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Patti's son, Tyler and his wife of 29 years, Lana, have 4 children, Perri (married to Ben), Luke (married to Beth), Avery, and Sawyer. Patti's daughter Paige, and her husband of 24 years, Eddie, have 2 children, Lily and Jackson. Patti was about adventures, big or small. She loved to travel, whether it was the German Rhine, the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rugged west. She only put her foot down to 'camping', saying repeatedly, "That's not going to happen." Holiday Inn was her limit.
Besides being an adventurer, Patti was a deep and gentle spirit who showed great affection and love for all others. She was one of the most tender grandmothers a child could ask for. She loved to get down on the babies' level, and to see the world through their eyes. She was excited by every accomplishment, and cherished every single handprint on her glass door. She proudly displayed those prints as if they were the Mona Lisa. Her impact will live on in her sweet grandbabies as she taught them to eat cake for breakfast, sip wine at 4:00pm and call everyone by their given names.
Patti had great respect for all people and strove to make sure that anyone she met felt acknowledged, loved and served. Her house was the favorite stop for garbage collectors, lawn mowers, delivery people, golfers, and her house keeper. She was quick to learn their names and their families, and made sure they never walked away empty handed as she always provided a water, a soda, or even a meal. Her parents instilled in her an early sense of service and generosity. Patti carried those lessons into her chosen field, teaching. She worked for Spring ISD for over 20 years. She was clearly a student favorite, quick to give a hall pass, and bring laughter to students' days, but also stern and dedicated to holding each student to the highest expectations possible, to ensure their success in life. Patti wasn't one to take no for an answer, or settle for less than the best from her students, her family, or herself.
We can't remember Patti without reflecting on the love she had for dogs. She never met a dog she didn't love or feed!!! Yes, as most of you know Patti was a "feeder". If you were around Patti for more than a few minutes she would start offering you whatever food she had nearby, and if you turned it down she would offer it again in a few minutes. It was best just to take it the first time because you were eventually going to get it later anyway. And what you didn't eat Patti kindly offered to her 'puppies'. It's been said that a dog is the best judge of character, and wow did all dogs love her.
Patti cared deeply for her people. She was always there for them, physically, emotionally, and practically. Every little problem, every little challenge, every little chore was a call to action. She was a force, tiny but effective. A true lady, and a true boss. She got s*** done, and was the master of to-do lists, many of which need to be completed.
Friends, friends, and yes more friends. Whether Patti knew you for a minute or a lifetime she was a friend for life. Her door was always open to you, and she would quickly become your biggest supporter and cheerleader. Her Champion Forest friends, Marine Reunion group, and others were loved by her and meant the world to her. It's fair to say, that a piece of Patti lives on in each of us today. Carry that forward, change the world just as she did. Life is simple: love others and leave a legacy. Job well done, sweet Patti.