Patricia S. Kelly

Patricia (Pat) S. Kelly lost a valiant fight against cancer and was called into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Feb. 9, 2012. Her courage and sense of humor remained with her to the end, and she was a remarkable example of grace under trial.

Pat was born on Aug. 31, 1948, in Laredo, TX, the daughter of George Kelly (deceased) and Elizabeth Kelly. Raised in South Texas, Pat moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas, graduating with multiple honors, including Phi Beta Kappa. Pat earned a BA in Spanish and an MA in Sociology, and pursued post graduate work in administration, management and research methods for public administration.

Pat married Bill Bulloch in 1969. She is survived by their two children, Melissa Elaine Bulloch of Floral Park, NY, and Scott Michael and his wife, Kim, Bulloch of Phoenix, AZ.

Pat's passion for people and her love of Austin led her to serve in a variety of volunteer positions in community non-profits. She was on the board of directors of the Ballet Austin Guild, Women's Art Guild, Heritage Society Guild, Zachary Scott Theatre, Women's Symphony League, and Junior Austin Women's Club. Pat also served as the President of the Austin Natural Science Guild, chaired the most successful fund-raiser in the history of SAFARI, and was actively involved in Women's Health Network.

Pat's organizational skills and winsome personality made her a natural fit as the Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, where she managed all operations of the four-day national event, which came to be ranked as one of the top festivals in the U.S. After serving as the Executive Director of Prevent Blindness, Texas/Central Region, Pat began one of two adventures at the Capitol. She served as Chief of Staff for Senator Zaffirini before becoming the Partnership Manager for Karta Technologies and Texas A&M University. After five years in that position, Pat returned to the Capitol as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Wentworth until her cancer prevented her from continuing in 2011. Her peers in the Senate honored Pat's love of people, servant's heart and high standards by naming her the legislative recipient of the Betty King Public Service Award in May, 2011.

Pat had a joyful personality and a playful sense of humor that naturally drew people to her. She loved life and loved to travel, even though she hated flying, and was the "glue" that held friendships together. She shared her love of life with everyone and began a blog, "Pat's Picks," to keep people up on the food, fashion and fun available in Austin, maintaining her focus on reaching out to others, even as her health declined. Pat was a ray of sunshine in her unflagging optimism and selfless service to others. She will be missed!

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Jerry Fain and the nurses and staff of Texas Oncology for their exceptional care, to the nurses of Seton Hospital for their skill, to the "angels" at Christopher House for the loving care given to Pat in her last days, and to all her friends whose prayers, help and encouragement sustained Pat through the years.

A memorial service will be held at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Cave Road, at 2:00 on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012. Pat's wish was that we celebrate life and "don't wear black." In lieu of flowers, Pat's family suggests that donations be made to Westlake Presbyterian Church, the Austin Humane Society, Christopher House or the charity of your choice.