Patricia Hoessly

Patricia Hoessly, age 93, an angel amongst us lived a long fulfilled life surrounded by a devoted family and loving friends died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 14 after a short illness and is now reunited with her beloved husband Ernst. She was a loving daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who spent her life caring for her family and showering them with her love and affection. Her kind, gentle loving nature had a lasting influence on everyone whose lives she touched. True to her nature she left a message for her family “when I am gone, just release me, let me go – so I can move into my afterglow. You mustn’t tie me down with your tears; let’s be happy that we had so many years.”
Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Otis and Margaret Slater, her brother Clinton and sister Jacqueline, a grandson Michael McElligott and her beloved husband Ernst.
She is survived by her four children, Barbara Borth (Eugene), Betty Gonzalez (Richard), Dorothy Dempsey (Jeff) and Ernst Hoessly, Jr. and his significant other Genny Manley, one brother John Slater (Martha) of Orange Grove,13 grandchildren,17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. No words can express our heartfelt gratitude to her ex-son-in-law Thomas McElligott for his devotion, companionship and exceptional care over the last five years and to Genny Manley for her loving care and support during the last years.
Patricia was born in Devine, Texas on July 17, 1923 and graduated from Devine High School at the young age of 16. Patricia married the love of her life, Ernst, a blue-eyed military man, on June 13, 1941 and they shared a joyful life together for over 68 years. Upon her retirement from John Jay High School she continued to share her generosity through volunteer work at Wilford Hall and Lutheran World Relief projects through her church. Patricia was always the center of the family, and she made sure to be present for everyone she loved. She was a beautiful soul who loved gardening and sewing. She knew everyone’s birthday and always made sure to send a card to let them know how special they are. Patricia was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend and she will be missed greatly.
The service will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 3:00 pm and the viewing On Friday, April 21 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Mission Park South Chapel, 1700 SE Military Dr. A private interment will follow at Fort Sam National Cemetery.