Patricia Willey

Patricia Kay Haardt Willey, born March 3, 1954, was a cradle catholic who practiced Jesus' sacrificial love that she learned firsthand from her dear mother, Joyce, and from her father, Albert Haardt, with his German family work ethic and gentle strength. Patti peacefully passed away on March 4, 2023, at the age of 69.

She was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, friend, wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, and grandmother and was so very special to each one. She was a renaissance woman who cooked, sewed, bowled, threw horseshoes, and danced professionally. Patti finished her marketing degree from UT Austin in 3 1⁄2 years. She excelled in a 22-year career with a Trade Association, running their top ten-ranked trade show, while also wearing every hat in the organization and ending as the #2 in command. In June 2000, a sickness from an E-coli bacteria ended her career and started a medical nightmare for the last 23 years of her life.

During those last years, despite her constant struggle with health-related complications, Patti persisted with grace and witnessed many beautiful life events that we are forever grateful for. Patti saw all 3 of her children become college graduates, Texas public school teachers, begin loving families of their own and was able to love on her 4 grandchildren with her whole heart. We would take the grandkids on walks to get some ‘exercise’, but they would end up sitting on her lap or otherwise riding on her power wheelchair, pushing the speed up to level 5 and honking the horn as they flew through the neighborhood.

Patti loved teaching about the beauty of God’s creation. She taught her children and grandchildren about her love of nature and how to tend to, care for, and nurture plants and animals. She was a PTA member, Brownie Girl Scout leader, band parent, gymnastics, and cheer mom. Patti was a devout religious Ed Catechist, who was born with the Heart of God and who read and studied the Catholic Catechism, the Gospels, and other spiritual works, as a sister of Christ with friends. She debated theology and world affairs with her husband of 45 years, inspiring his catholic conversion in 1993 and providing a role model for his 20 year RCIA teaching career. She was the cornerstone of our family providing her love, insight, wisdom and always offering a listening ear and an open heart to those that needed her guidance and understanding.

She did it all with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She made everyone around her better and feel good about themselves. She glorified God with her every breath. Patti took one final deep breath, after hearing one of her favorite Catholic hymns ‘Be Not Afraid’. She went home with the Lord and is again dancing with angels.

The family would like to thank all of her friends and family for the care and compassion they showed our beloved Patti in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Patti’s honor to the St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

A memorial mass for Patricia will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Rd, Austin, TX 78749.

A Celebration of Life for Patricia will be held Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM at Lady Bird Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739.