Patricia Hempel

November 8, 1941 – June 19, 2025

Patricia (Pat) Lou Hempel passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband, Claude and loving children, Carlton and Clarissa. She was 83 years old.

Pat was born in Georgetown, Texas, on November 8, 1941, to Clifford and Hildegard Hugland. Her family later moved to San Antonio while her father worked at Kelly Field Air Force Base. They eventually returned to Austin, where Pat graduated from McCallum High School in 1960. A natural light in the lives of those around her, Pat was voted class favorite every year of high school—a reflection of her warmth, kindness, and steady joy.

She earned her degree in education from Southwest Texas State in 1963 and began her career teaching at San Marcos High School. Later that year, she married her high school sweetheart, Claude Hempel, on November 22, 1963. Upon Claude’s commissioning in the Army, the couple soon moved to Germany for military duty, where Pat embraced the adventure of living abroad and developed a lifelong love of travel. During their time overseas, they explored Europe together, and Pat continued her passion for education by teaching at the Army Education Center.

Upon returning to Austin, Texas, Pat and Claude started a family, welcoming their son Carlton in 1967 and daughter Clarissa in 1971. Pat balanced her devotion to family with a long career of service. She worked at the Office of the UT System Board of Regents and later in the Eanes School District, where her dedication left a lasting impression on teachers, administrators, and students.

After retiring in 2001, Pat joyfully entered her most cherished role—helping raise her four grandchildren, all of whom lived nearby their Westlake home. Affectionately known as Nona, she filled her days with train rides at Zilker Park, countless sporting events, and eventually family cruises around the world. Even with her hands full, she found time to give back, volunteering at Seton Hospital with the same warmth and care she brought to everything in life.

Pat loved gathering people together—at her home, the lake, the ranch, or anywhere she could bring joy, conversation, laughter, and connection. Her hospitality was genuine and her presence unforgettable.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Claude Hempel; her son Carlton Hempel and his wife Jennifer; her daughter Clarissa McWilliams and her husband Dennis; and her four adored grandchildren: Canion Hempel, Carsyn Hempel, Christian McWilliams, and Hudson McWilliams.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Dell Seton Medical Center and Brookdale at Westlake Hills Skilled Nursing for their extraordinary care and kindness.

A visitation for Patricia will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas 78731. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas 78731. A graveside service will occur Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate Highway 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A reception will follow the graveside at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas 78731.