Tributes

Honoring Ms. Patricia J. Saucedo Devote Child of God, Mother, Sister, Aunt and Service Leader Patricia “PJ” Saucedo transitioned to our heavenly realm on December 22, 2021. She was 72 brilliant years young. Here to continue her legacy of resilience, generosity and kindness are her children, Toni Raquel Brantley (San Antonio), Helena Camille Stangle (Chicago) and Christopher Armando Stangle (Chicago) in addition to her sisters Aurora Ives, Sylvia Gatti, Leticia Hernandez and brother Daniel Ramirez. She is beloved by countless nieces and nephews that admired and adored her, and her grand dogs Cashe Brantley and Guillermo “Gizmo” Stangle. Patricia is preceded in transition by her beloved mother and family matriarch Antonia Ramirez, brother Armando Ramirez, sister Esperanza Saucedo and grand dog angels Rusty, Leroy, Isis and Xavi. Patricia was a force to be reckoned with and a source of enduring energy and light. Her life’s journey was not without complications and struggles but met with a demand for better, equity and abundance. In spite of challenging childhood circumstances and an educational system that did not support the needs of then exclusively Spanish-speaking students like her, when she moved from Mexico to El Paso, Texas, Patricia set her sights on attaining the education and skills she deserved. This steadfastness proved transformational changing the trajectory of her family for generations to come. She began her roughly 12-year educational journey in the El Paso and Dallas County community college systems, earning her acceptance into nursing programs, first at Texas Woman's University and later at her alma mater, Dallas Baptist University (DBU). At DBU and beyond all odds, Patricia earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the age of 42, she joined the United States Army in service to her country and community. She left the US Army and Army Reserves having earned the rank of captain - a milestone achieved with great pride. As a civilian, Patricia cared for others as an oncology and hospice nurse, providing love, support and critical services for those experiencing some of their most difficult and sometimes final days. Her nearly 30-year career also included leadership roles as a director of nursing. Her profession enabled her passion for adventure and new beginnings, taking her to Hawaii, Washington, DC, Maryland, California, Georgia and Texas. Patricia was a woman of devout faith. Her practice included daily and hours-long devotion and prayer for her children, family, people she never met and our nation and world. While words do not do her justice, she was easily described as fiery, “picosa”, passionate, “chingona” and hilarious. Whether it was talk of politics, the entertainment industry, a novela, the hopeless state of Mexican food at any restaurant across America, her desire for the perfect glass of sweet wine, well-done steaks, “chisme,” fashion or exercise, she had a strong opinion and she was not afraid to share it. Without a doubt, she was most passionate about her children and their ability to achieve their life’s calling. She hoped for each to achieve in any way meaningful to them the change we each seek to see in the world while also being surrounded by love. Nobody will miss her prodigious reminders that “you have a mother” or careful “orders” for Christmas, her birthday and Mother’s Day as much as Toni, Helena and Chris who will spend their remaining time on earth in pursuit of fulfilling their mother’s hopes with love for each other and beyond. Her children, family and friends invite you to join a celebration of her life on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Her memorial service will begin at 10:00 A.M followed by an 11:00 A.M. reception honoring her extraordinary life. Reception attendees are encouraged to join a funeral procession from the funeral home to Fort Sam Houston for a 1:00 P.M. burial service inclusive of full military honors. For those unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be webcast. For additional details regarding the memorial service, reception, burial or webcast please contact Mission Park Funeral Chapels at (210) 349-1414. Mission Park Funeral Chapels is located at 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78230. While flowers and plants are appreciated, her children encourage you to consider making a donation to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) in Patricia’s honor. Her legacy is built on the transformative impact of education and her pursuit of equity, justice and dignity for all. There is no better way to honor a life well-lived with such “ganas,” integrity and generosity than to support another Latinx scholar pursuing their purpose. Join us in helping individuals like Patricia work to change not only their lives but those of their family members and community. If you do choose to donate to HSF, please note that the gift is made in honor of “Patricia J. Saucedo” as her children would very much like to thank you for bringing more support, love and kindness into our world.

Tributes

Patricia "PJ" Saucedo

December 22, 2021