Patricia Ann Dunlap

August 2, 1944 – October 4, 2025.

It is with profound love and sorrow that the family of Patricia Ann Dunlap announces her passing on October 4, 2025, at the age of 81.

Patricia was born August 2, 1944, to John and Lois Nardecchia in Austin, Texas. She attended St. Mary’s Academy and Nixon Clay Business College. Her favorite pastime was participating in synchronized swimming with her team and sister, Joanna.

She held many jobs, retiring as a customer service supervisor with Kinetic Concepts, Inc (KCI).

Pat married the love of her life, James C. Colwell on May 3, 1968, in Houston. This brought her an instant family, immediately becoming a loving and cherished mother to Jeff, age 6 and Angelia, age 4. After the death of her husband in 1978, she found companionship with Johnnie E. Dunlap, to whom she was married from December 1984 until he passed away in August of 1994.

Pat was a devout animal lover. She had many pets, including horses, cats and even a monkey named Chucky, but none so cherished as her beloved Yorkie, Dinero.

She was always ready to help and volunteer and loved spending time with her family and friends. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and enjoyed sharing old family recipes, stories and memories of those that immigrated to the United States. Being from Austin, she was a loud and loyal fan of the University of Texas Longhorn football team and rarely missed watching a game. She loved to engage in discussions about players, statistics, coaching and why everyone should understand that the Longhorns were the greatest college football team in the history of the NCAA.

Patricia lived a life distinguished by strength, honesty, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends. Upon being presented with two young children, she embraced the role of a new mother with open arms and an unbreakable heart, building eternal bonds rooted in respect, trust, and unconditional love.

Patricia will be remembered for her fiercely protective spirit — a guardian in every sense of the word. She stood steadfastly beside those she loved, offering both comfort and courage through any challenge. Her loyalty was unshakable, her kindness profound, her presence a source of steadfast reassurance to all who knew her.

Beyond her family, Patricia touched countless lives with her generosity, warmth, and integrity. She approached every relationship with sincerity and care, leaving a legacy of strength, grace, and deep compassion.

Patricia was preceded in death by husband James Carl Colwell, husband Johnnie E. Dunlap, sister Joanna Daley, and parents John and Lois Nardecchia.

Patricia is survived by son Jeff Colwell and wife Theresa Colwell, and daughter Angelia Berkowitz and husband Carl Berkowitz, MD; grandchildren Brian Colwell and wife Stephanie Colwell, Bradley Colwell and wife Janiene Colwell, Chelsea Berkowitz and Nathan Berkowitz; great grandchildren Ricky Buckley, Luke Buckley, and Emma Buckley, along with many family members and friends.

A service in celebration of her life will be held on November 14, 2025, from 2-5pm at Sunset Funeral Home at 1701 Austin Highway in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the Animal Defense League of Texas, San Antonio Humane Society, or the charity of your choice in recognition of Patricia’s lifelong devotion to the care and protection of animals.

Though her voice is silent, the echo of her love and enduring strength will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.