Janet Marie Albert Patterson

A stalwart member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Janet's various volunteer commitments were a direct reflection and application of her strong faith and spiritual practices. Her multiple commitments and tenures included organizations such as Planned Parenthood, AIDS Services of Austin, Meals on Wheels, Interfaith Care Alliance, Safe Place, David Powell Clinic, as well as her neighborhood association.

Known as Mama, Grandma Janet, Ms. P, or simply J.P. by the many people whose lives she touched, Janet always thought of others before herself – often planning meals and shopping for gifts for people as a matter of course – whether she had known them for ten minutes or ten years. Janet was fiercely proud of her self-reliance and her ability to live on her own and pay her own bills, travel with friends and family, and still have enough money left over to contribute to the multiple causes which were so important to her. Neighbors noted that she never said “No” to any of the neighborhood children selling items for their various projects, always welcoming them with a smile and a check.

An avid reader and television viewer, Janet especially loved her British Mysteries, The Golden Girls, Monk, and Jeopardy. She enjoyed word puzzles, Sudoku, cooking for others and insisted on keeping a clean and welcoming home. One was as likely to see her working on a home improvement project, sitting on the sofa with a good book, or driving someone to their doctor's appointment.

From her upbringing in New Orleans, where she graduated from Clarke High School, Janet lived in San Antonio, Aberdeen, Maryland, and Waco before settling with her two sons, Ronald and Alex, in Austin in 1981.

Janet enjoyed a storied career with the IRS in Austin for over 25 years. Starting as a clerk, Janet worked her way up through the ranks to attain such positions as Chief of Taxpayer Services (Walk-In), Chief of the E.E.O. and Diversity Office, and Chief of Austin Personnel Staffing – the position she held upon retirement. An extraordinary accomplishment for a single mother who held an Associate's Degree.

A lifelong learner and explorer, Janet had recently started attending Tai Chi practices at her church which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Janet's end-of-life preparations were well thought out and allowed her loved ones the time they needed to grieve her sudden and unexpected loss. She strove to make sure the bulk of funeral costs were taken care of and that all of her personal and business papers were in order. Her foresight made a tragic and difficult time a little less so for those left behind and, as with so much she did in life, was a shining example of preparedness and foresight for others.

A rosary will be recited prior to the services at 11:15 a.m. A funeral mass for this incredible woman will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Friday, July 15th at Noon and, per her wishes, there will be a private inurnment. Janet requested that there be no wake, graveside service or processional, continuing to exhibit the humility which was such a part of her character.

She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the charity of one's choice or the the Holy Cross Catholic Church in her honor.