Pat Holden Frost

"Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit," an old phrase spoken on the first day of the month to bring good luck, may be the first words Pat Frost shared with her late husband Tom Frost in heaven when she passed on Tuesday, March 1, at the age of 92. They held this tradition during 67 years of marriage, and now reunited, can share their blessings in eternity.

A lifelong San Antonian, Mary Patricia "Pat" Holden Frost was born to William Wiley and Mary Katherine (Bridge) Holden on July 14, 1929, a few months before the Stock Market Crash of 1929 plunged the country into the Great Depression. Her parents opened their home to others in need during her childhood years, and her back door remained open throughout her lifetime. Known for her generous spirit, she instilled the mantra in her family that "if you dont feel good about how things are going for yourself, do something kind for someone else."

Growing up at the bustling corner of Laurel and Main Avenue, Pat commanded the center of attention often performing for friends and family who gathered in their home. Her love of dancing remained throughout her life; she participated in a tap dance recital as late as age 76! Her familys roots in Mexico were a source of pride, and she often shared her Aunt Margies stories of Pancho Villa shooting at the train as her family left Monterrey. Her impeccable Spanish served her well later in life as she entertained dignitaries from Mexico and traveled to Central America for Hemisfair 68.

The tragic loss at age 17 of her beloved father and sister, Lydia, strengthened the bond with her brother, Billy. She remained close to Billy and his wife, Mickey, through frequent family trips and visits that brought cousins together as friends.

Pat would be the first to admit she preferred the social part of school more than academics. Her mother put a stop to her plans to leave college early for a potential marriage (sealing a much better fate), so she took great pride in her degree from the University of Texas. A popular coed, legend has it that she had 22 dates in one day. She made her debut in 1950 but was quickly swept off her feet by a tall, handsome bachelor.

Once she met Tom Frost, she became devoted to the one man with whom she shared her life. He proposed six weeks after their first date, and their marriage lasted nearly seven decades until his death in 2018. Their lives together took her all over the world, and she was an invaluable asset to Tom during his career. While she once sat next to Andy Warhol at a White House State Dinner and often vacationed with President Lyndon B. Johnson, she was equally interested in talking to the grocery store checkout clerk or her next-door neighbor. Pat remained grounded eschewing jewelry and designer clothes in favor of a new flashlight or woven basket for her birthday. She took pride in making her own clothes, including a gown for one of their visits to the White House and an outfit custom made for Lady Bird Johnson.

Her pride and joy were her four sons, and she was the consummate "boy mom" who thrived on chaos. She prepared almost as many lunches as the Alamo Heights High School cafeteria, loved being a den mother, and was like a second mom to her sons friends. She later earned the title "Nana" and had a revolving door of grandchildren that she lavished her attention upon. While Pat played her role well as a corporate spouse, her favorite moments were the times with her children and grandchildren, including trips to Fort Clark, Brackettville, when the boys were young and later to Seaside, Florida, with their families.

A lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church, her love of Gods children was evident through her service as a volunteer in the kitchen or the floral arrangements she made for Lenten luncheons. She recently branded her "Pats PRAY-lines" and sold them with proceeds benefiting the church. She believed in using your talents and gifts in service to others, and while she walked in the shadow of her influential husband, her presence was larger than life.

The ultimate testimony to a life well lived is a life well loved, and Pats favorite saying was, "I love you more." She never met a stranger and often showed compassion toward others. Pat was known to pay for the repairs to a stranded car owner in a parking lot or give money to someone struggling to buy Christmas gifts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Christ Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice in her honor.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, known as her "Ever-Loving Husband," Tom Frost; her sister, Lydia; her brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Mickey Holden; her sister-in-law, Ilse Herff Frost; and grandchildren, Thais Gruning and Alexander Frost. She is survived by her children, Tom Frost III (Meaghan Solay), Bill Frost (Tanya), Don Frost (Lou Celia), and Pat Frost (Kelley); her beloved grandchildren, Adrianne Frost (Tom Kelly), Schaffer Frost, Chase Frost, Alex Frost Royal, Will Frost, Josie Frost, Julia Frost, Houston Frost, Cecilia Frost Griffin (James), Clayborne Frost (Alex), Patrick Frey (Alona), and Katie Frost Haag (Brady), and three great-grandchildren, Holden, Gray, and Posey Griffin. Pat is also survived by her cousin, who was more like a sister, Pat Orme (Keith), along with numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who supported her in these last years, especially Maria Gomez, Lina Sanchez, Karel Hoffman, Leah Martinez, and May Montalvo-Ocasio.

A celebration of Pats life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap,

on Thursday, March 24 at 1:00 pm. The Reverend Patrick Gahan, officiating. Please click here to view the live stream Mrs. Pat Frost's service.