Patricia Dale Piland

Pat Piland, 80, of Bellaire, Texas, passed away at her home in Bellaire on Wednesday, November 29.

She is survived by her husband, Page N. Piland of Bellaire, son, David Piland and his wife Linda Piland of Houston, granddaughter Grace Piland of New York City, and sister, Pam Fisher of Austin, Texas. She is predeceased in death by her parents, Frank and Margaret (Thorn) Redding.  

Pat was born and grew up in the South Austin neighborhood of Austin, Texas before that area was discovered. As a child, she loved the wooded area and the walk to school across the wooden bridge over Austin’s meandering Shoal Creek.

Pat most loved visiting her grandparents, Anna and Elbert Thorn, in Smithville, Texas in the summers and during holidays with her sister, Pam. She also loved the special relationship she enjoyed with her grandmother in Smithville. In high school, Pat played and marched in the Travis High School band. She kept up with many of those cherished friends throughout the years.

Pat often said, “My garden is my church,” where she could often be found toiling away.

Pat met Page, her husband of 60 years, at the end of high school in Austin. There was seldom a dull moment as they moved to Dallas after the Austin and UT life. Graphic designer Page worked in a large downtown tower, and they experienced the advertising “Mad Men” era together. They then quickly moved to Houston. Pat loved arguing and teasing Page about who was the most funny. Her raucous laugh was a treat to experience.

Pat completed four college degrees. She worked in business and marketing but, following the completion of her Master of Social Work degree, Pat loved her career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) the most. Pat had a way of helping people without being intrusive or drawing attention to herself. Folks didn’t always realize they were getting counseling when visiting or having casual conversations with her. 

Son David was the love of Pat and Page’s lives and he quickly surpassed his parents in all sports. Tennis is still his fave! David’s dear wife Linda and their lovely daughter Grace make for a wonderful family. Pat and Grace enjoyed a very special relationship not unlike Pat’s relationship with her grandmother, Anna.

Pat, Page and David traveled often. Their early favorite destinations were all over Mexico; Acapulco in the 70s and Cuernavaca in the 90s. Later travels to European areas were also great fun. Hydra, Florence, Rome, and Venice were discovered and explored.

Pat was a very generous and giving person. She did everything with a kind heart and was loved by many. Pat lived life to the fullest and will remain forever in our thoughts and hearts. And that laugh… well!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pat’s memory to the Houston Chapter of Amigos de las Americas. Donations can be made online at https://amigosinternational.org/donate/

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held in her honor on Saturday, January 27 at The Raven Grill in Houston (1916 Bissonnet St.) from 1 to 3 p.m.