Patricia Cecilia Martin-Hillery

Patricia Cecilia Martin Hillery was born on July 15, 1929 in Laredo, Texas and died in the early hours of Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Dallas, Texas, one month shy of her 92nd birthday. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones. Patricia (also affectionately known as Patsy to family and friends) grew up in Laredo and graduated from St. Augustine High School. After getting married, over the years she lived in Austin, Texas, Northern California, Michigan and Switzerland.

After returning to Austin in 1974, Patricia was a Licensing Specialist for the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for over 15 years before retiring. Patricia enjoyed her retirement with her husband, Herb Hillery, working on their bamboo farm north of Austin. She and Herb shared a passion for bamboo, co-founding the Texas Bamboo Society, and turning their personal interest into a community of bamboo enthusiasts who became lifelong friends.

Patricia was independent, resourceful and, above all else, she loved her family immensely, never missing a family gathering. She lived her life with honor, hard work, dedication and great humor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Hillery, her parents, Felix F. Martin and Alicia Zuniga Martin and her siblings, Alice Ramirez, Felix Martin, Jr. and Nell Ritterrath Wilhelmsen. She is survived by her beloved sister, Betty Castillon, her children Mark Batterson, Barbara Gerami, Pamela St. John and Jim Batterson (Nancy), 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and other loving relatives and friends. The family gives special thanks to family friend Letty Hernandez, and Kimberly Henderson and Lucrecia (Lucky) Vasquez of One Point Hospice, for their extraordinary care, who treated our mother as if she were their own. The family plans to hold a celebration of Patricia’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice or to the American Heart Association.