Carol Agnes Patwari

Carol Agnes Patwari, 64, of Houston passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020. Carol was born on November 2, 1955 in Toronto, Canada. She was raised and nurtured by her parents, Victor and Agnes Vokes, in beautiful Canada where they could often be found enjoying the outdoors at the park or camping. After high school, she attended The University of Ottawa beginning at the young age of 16. Carol went on to meet Krishna and eventually married the love of her life on May 10, 1980. The young couple moved to Texas to start their family together and Carol continued her education earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health and Science Center Houston. She began her career working for Harris County Health Department, where she worked tirelessly to coordinate all aspects of the Tuberculosis program, helped countless mothers with pregnancy and family planning, and recruited and actively mentored many young nurses as they began their careers. Carol went on to obtain her Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University and continued to ensure that patients in Harris county had the best care possible. Carol later began working for the Texas Department of State Health Services, where she established policies and procedures using her extensive expertise in various aspects of public health. During her time with DSHS, Carol served on the Nursing Leadership Council and represented them as a voting member for Texas in the Association of State and Territorial Directors of Nursing. It was her dedication, leadership, and knowledge that paved the way for vast improvements in patient care and she was an example to many in her field.

Carol was beyond excited to welcome three beautiful girls into this world. Anyone who was lucky enough to know her, knew just how deeply she loved her girls and how proud she was of all they became. She always welcomed those she cared about into her home with open arms and made you feel like you were not just a friend, but a part of her family. She loved to be in the kitchen cooking and often provided delicious meals to her friends and family. Carol also nurtured her creative side by sewing inspiring pieces for her loved ones and tenderly caring for her splendid backyard garden.

It is often said that you leave your mark on the world by the love you leave behind. Carol left so much for the rest of us to be forever grateful for. She touched countless people with her boldness, patience, wit, and love. She is survived by the kindest, gentlest, most courageous husband, Krishna Patwari, who was blessed to share 40 years of marriage with her. She is also survived by three fiercely brave daughters, Susheela Singh, Anjali Keller, and Reena Gafford, each of whom has her own unique strengths forged by their mother’s beautiful example. Carol was beyond excited to welcome three beautiful girls into this world. Carol was the always proud grandmother to two grandsons, Fritz Keller and Ari Keller and was patiently awaiting the arrival of her third grandchild. Carol also welcomed three amazing sons-in-law into her family, Nikhil Singh, Alex Keller, and Clayton Gafford with her typical wide-open heart. She leaves behind countless other friends and family who loved her and will miss her dearly. Carol was beyond excited to welcome three beautiful girls into this world. It is often said that you leave your mark on the world by the love you leave behind. A memorial service will be held at a later date when we can honor her properly while maintaining the health and safety of the many lives she treasured.