Tributes

Patricia Ann Holmes McDonald was born March 16, 1937, in Lake Forest, Illinois, to Damon and Charlotte (Clendening) Holmes. Along with her sister, Sandy Holmes Taylor, her family lived in Plantsville, Connecticut, Houston and then moved to Comfort, Texas where they opened Cypress Creek Inn. After graduating from Comfort High School, she attended and graduated from Trinity University where she met her husband, Robert Terry McDonald. She had two daughters, Kelly McFadden and Karen Schnake. Pat’s greatest joy was her grandchildren; Allison, Mary Elizabeth, Clay and Hayden. She would light up just hearing their names. She spoiled them rotten and provided them with love and lots of laughter. The feeling was mutual; they adored her. Pat had many passions. She loved playing the piano and made sure that music was always present in her home. She loved her beautiful garden and taking care of her beloved dogs. She loved reading, mastering the New York Times hardest crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy religiously. Pat spent over 40 years teaching. She had a special gift and a strong connection with her students. She made school fun and her students loved her. She taught Texas History and math at Jackson Keller Elementary, Nimitz Middle School and Bradley Middle School. She also loved being the student. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she received her Masters of Arts in 1984. Although she lived in San Antonio since college, the girls were blessed to have had her in Austin for her last 10 months to be closer to them and her grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of Renaissance Assisted Living in Austin for their love, care and support. Patricia Ann Holmes McDonald was born March 16, 1937, in Lake Forest, Illinois, to Damon and Charlotte (Clendening) Holmes. Along with her sister, Sandy Holmes Taylor, her family lived in Plantsville, Connecticut, Houston and then moved to Comfort, Texas where they opened Cypress Creek Inn. After graduating from Comfort High School, she attended and graduated from Trinity University where she met her husband, Robert Terry McDonald. She had two daughters, Kelly McFadden and Karen Schnake. Pat’s greatest joy was her grandchildren; Allison, Mary Elizabeth, Clay and Hayden. She would light up just hearing their names. She spoiled them rotten and provided them with love and lots of laughter. The feeling was mutual; they adored her. Pat had many passions. She loved playing the piano and made sure that music was always present in her home. She loved her beautiful garden and taking care of her beloved dogs. She loved reading, mastering the New York Times hardest crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy religiously. Pat spent over 40 years teaching. She had a special gift and a strong connection with her students. She made school fun and her students loved her. She taught Texas History and math at Jackson Keller Elementary, Nimitz Middle School and Bradley Middle School. She also loved being the student. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she received her Masters of Arts in 1984. Although she lived in San Antonio since college, the girls were blessed to have had her in Austin for her last 10 months to be closer to them and her grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of Renaissance Assisted Living in Austin for their love, care and support.

Tributes

Patricia Ann McDonald

March 16, 1937 - September 29, 2016