Patricia Ann (Parres) Porter

A New Year's Eve baby, Patricia came into this world on Dec 31,1945, and was the only child of John G. and Clarice Fuller Parres. Her father immigrated from Italy and their surname was originally Paradisio, but her father Anglicized it to get teaching jobs after WWII. She loved celebrating her New Year's Eve birthday in style!

Patricia grew up in Philadelphia, while her father worked on his PhD at University of Pennsylvania. Her parents had met while he was teaching in Kentucky and her mother was a "Hillbilly" singer on the radio. She loved telling that story and remincising of her mother singing to her. Later, she would attend the University of Delaware, where her father was a professor.

Paricia loved music and played the French Horn in the college marching band. She was a proud fighting Blue Hen. She loved telling stories from her days in the band.

Patricia was an educator: first a teacher, then principal and administrator and spent her later years working as an educational consultant. She had a very successful career and was well-respected by her peers.

Pat was married for 33 years to Thomas David Porter and she helped him raise his three sons, David, Brian and Andy. Dave preceded her in death in 2016. They loved their Lake Travis home, traveling and sailing. Pat also loved cooking, dancing, singing, and made a famous lasagna.

Though only 5 feet 2 inches, Patricia was a fighter and survived ovarian cancer, heart surgery and several other major illnesses and, at the end, she fought a hard battle against Alzheimer's.

Pat had many friends, and was especially close to her amazing neighbors on Mansfield Drive. She will always be remembered by them for her open door and sharing a glass of wine (red only). She loved her home and loved hosting parties, holidays and dinners.

Special mention to Oscar Zuluaga who came into her life while taking care of Dave during his cancer battle and continued as her caregiver and dear friend to the very end. Oscar was by her side when she passed from this world. They had a very special bond and he brought her comfort, care and love over the last 8 years. The house on Mansfield Drive had its own version of "Modern Family" but was filled with love and happiness for many years before Pat declined and had to go to Memory Care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Patricia A Parres Porter Education Fund managed by the Austin Community Foundation, MD Anderson for cancer research, the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice. This education fund was established by Pat to fund scholarships for economically-disadvantaged students wanting to become teachers.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, have a glass of red wine and raise a toast to celebrate the life of this wonderful woman.