Patricia Bodenburg White

She is survived by her daughter Kelley, son in law Tim and her three grandchildren Maison, Carson and Griffin Grose, as well as her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, her parents Gerard and Viola Bodenburg, sister Carol Ann Dunn, and her brother Gerard Bodenburg Jr.

Pat was born in San Antonio on July 15, 1929 to Viola and Gerard Bodenburg. She spent her childhood surrounded by her grandparents, parents, brother and sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and many family friends. It was the beginning of the Great Depression, and she often told stories of their lack of money and their abundance of love. There were even more stories of a feisty, tenacious Patty Sue, who was constantly tormented by her older brother Jerry, only to turn around and give it right back to her baby sister Carol Ann. However, there was a rule. She was the only one allowed to pick on little Carol Ann. Anyone else who tried, would receive a pounding from Pat, and the whole neighborhood knew it. As she moved into high school, she was able to release some of that energy through sports, and she excelled in both softball and basketball. Pat was a gifted athlete and conquered every sport she tried, including water skiing, golf, and even winning the city championship bowling tournament while pregnant! A few years after she graduated from high school, she began what would be a 36 year career at Southwestern Bell. She swiftly rose to the top, and became management. The number of lives she touched and the countless people she mentored are beyond measure. The stories are both funny and heartwarming. She was a supervisor who ran her unit with love, compassion, fairness and a sense of humor, while at the same time expected hard work, accountability, honesty and loyalty, To say she meant the world to those who were privileged to work for her is an understatement.

While Pat was busy building her career, playing sports and being a carefree single girl (which was pretty rare in the 60’s), she met Bob at Oak Hills Bowling Lanes. She thought it was the start of a great friendship. He, however, knew he was the love of her life, and set out to convince her of that. A few years and a few proposals later, she agreed to relinquish her bachelorette crown, and they were married in what was supposed to be a small family ceremony that much to their delight, was crashed by over a hundred of their closest friends. It was a beautiful day, a match made only for each other, and they spent the rest of their days laughing, bickering and entertaining anyone who had the pleasure of being in their company. About a year and a half later, the upset stomach and possible ulcer she thought she had, turned out to be a baby girl named Kelley. At 38 years old (ancient for 1968), this was a gift Pat and Bob never expected, and from that moment forward, she was the center of their world, UNTIL Kelley grew up, married Tim, and gave them grandchildren. Having an only child, Pat could not fathom her love being multiplied in such a way, but there was truly no greater joy for her than her grand babies. Our family always had a “Granny” and Pat wanted to continue that tradition, but Maisie had other plans. Somehow, Gonny rolled off her tongue, and from that moment on, that’s who she was! Gonny and Bob’s home was filled with treats, toys and everything a child’s heart desired to make their house the best place on earth, and the hours spent and the memories made there were countless. She was at every school play, recital, and sporting event. She did not miss a milestone.

At the ripe age of 87, Pat made the brave decision to move to Adante Independent Living. This was the beginning of the final stage of her golden years, and they truly were just that, Golden! She was the poster child for what senior living communities are meant to be. She enjoyed every party, event, and outing offered, and even as recent as last year, took first place in the Segora Senior Games Basketball Shootout! She was dearly loved in her community, and formed many beautiful friendships. Her last months were spent at The Landing At Stone Oak. Her days there were happy and peaceful, and although her ability to communicate had diminished, her amazing caregivers found ways to appreciate her, understand her and love her for the bright light she has always been in this world.

We will forever miss our exceptionally amazing mom, grandmother, aunt and friend, but the light that shone so bright in her eyes will never dim in our memories, and when the thunder rolls, we will know the Angels are bowling in heaven, and Pat just hit a strike.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the WHITE family.