Patricia Ann Dunnivan

Early on the morning of Christmas Eve in 2024, Patricia Ann Dunnivan of Leander, Texas held the hands of her two adoring daughters as she slipped earth’s tenuous bonds and returned home to the loving arms of our heavenly Father. She has often been described as a beautiful-angel who tried to make heaven on earth. Patricia was 79 years old and had been hospitalized at St. David’s Medical Center in Round Rock, Texas.

Born November 9, 1945, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to Parents “Joseph”Guiseppe and Mary Klepo-Merola. She was raised in Pittsburgh with her two brothers and a sister. She described fond memories of her summers working in the family vegetable garden in the small rural town of White Valley, Pennsylvania. She and her siblings had to grow up faster due to the passing of her father at a young age which allowed them to impart that knowledge and experience to their children and the younger generations.

Patricia met Jerry, then a young Navy Veteran, on a blind date which led to a lifetime of love and adventure. They raised their two daughters, Anna (Beck) and Sharon (Mitchell) across many moves and transitions. She lived a life dedicated to her children, grandchildren and great-grandson bringing light and love to our family gatherings. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandson and doted on them, which gave her great joy.

Professionally, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance in 1981 and worked in the multi-family lending and commercial real estate fields through 2001. She was extremely proud of earning her Real Estate Broker’s license as well as her membership in the Dallas, TX branch of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) organization. At that period of time, not many women were involved in the sale, lease, and development of commercial real estate and CREW was formed to advance opportunities for women in this arena. Some of the more sophisticated commercial real estate companies of that era realized the potential future impact of this group on the real estate market and worked hard to curry favor with it. One such company was Staubach Investments which was owned by Roger Staubach, former star Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. At a CREW meeting, Staubach himself stepped up to the podium to discuss his company and at the end of his remarks presented Patricia and several other CREW members with an autographed Dallas Cowboys football. Patricia was still the proud owner of this football on the day the Lord called her home.

Patricia was a vibrant and vivacious person who easily made friends and enjoyed many social activities. She spent a significant part of her life serving in the church and participating in community activities such as Crafty Corners and the Italian Club. Another favorite pastime of hers was to observe the birds as they would light on the feeder on her patio.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Merola, brother Tony Merola and her grandson Jason Cartwright. She is survived by her beloved husband and devoted caregiver, Gerald (Jerry) Dunnivan. As well as her brothers Larry Merola, Jerry Merola (Lucy), and Chris Rapp (Laura); sisters Melody Brandis (Bill) and Maureen Cook. She leaves behind her two daughters, Anna Beck and her spouse, Dawson, as well as Sharon Mitchell and her spouse, Scott. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alyssa Mitchell, Colton (and Taylor) Mitchell, and Shelby (and Daniel) Malacon as well as her great grandchildren, Jude Husting and new arrival Zephyr Jay Mitchell.