Patricia Orner Felger

Patricia Orner Felger, a dedicated elementary school teacher, proud mother and grandmother, and a life-long champion of all children passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and close friends on August 28, 2015. She lost her valiant battle with a rare type of bile duct cancer.

Born in Philadelphia on October17, 1936 to Harold G. Orner and Mary Gorden Orner, Pat was raised in New Orleans where she attended Isidore Newman High School then enrolled at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia. She earned her degree in elementary education at Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University.

Pat met her husband, Charles, at Tulane in 1956. They were married three years later while he was a Tulane medical student. Charles and Pat chose to further his medical training at San Antonio's Brooke Army Medical Center. During their four year stay in San Antonio, daughter Melanie and son Mark were born. In 1965, the US Army transferred Doctor Felger and his growing family to Stuttgart, Germany where son Jason was born. After completing his three year tour of duty, Charles was discharged from the Army and the Felger family settled in Austin in 1968.

Pat's teaching career in elementary education began in Germany where she taught at the US Army School for Children. Soon after arriving in Austin, she taught in various schools but primarily at Highland Park Baptist Preschool and Hyde Park Baptist School.

After twenty years of teaching, she continued to stay involved in the schooling of her children and grandchildren. Former pupils have become part of her fondest memories; several have gone on to teaching careers. Her continued life-long interest in children prompted her desire to become a successful CASA volunteer. A strong desire to help troubled youth lead Pat to become a dedicated supporter of the Settlement Home of Austin.

As an outstanding proud mother and grandmother, Pat never missed any athletic events where her kids were participating. One could hear her loudly cheering above the crowd at swimming meets, softball and baseball games. Pat's voice was also quite evident at basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and track events. Yet Pat was most proud of and encouraged their academic achievements while keeping copies of all their report cards.

Pat organized the nearly thirty-five annual family summer excursions to Padre Island where she was the champion "sun screen applier". Her favorite coastal sports were crabbing, building sand castles and watching the children in the surf. Visiting Alaska on three occasions were some of her favorite trips. After several years teaching Sunday school, she enjoyed attending church services and participating in daily Bible Study.

Pat is survived by her husband, Charles E. Felger, MD after 56 years of marriage; her daughter, Melanie Joseph, her husband David G. Joseph, MD and their children Sam, Ben and Michael; her son Mark C. Felger, MD and his children Lily and Noah; and son Jason E. Felger, MD of San Angelo and his wife, Sue and their children Jacob and Jonah. Pat's sister, Louise Marcia Orner of Philadelphia, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also mourn her passing.

The family wishes to thank Pat's many caregivers, especially Dr. Jerry Fain and his outstanding staff at Texas Oncology.

A Memorial service celebrating Pat's life will be held at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th St., at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated to The Faculty Fund at St. Stephen's School, 6500 St. Stephen's Rd., Austin, Texas 78746, The Settlement Home, 1600 Peyton Gin Rd., Austin, TX 78758, or the charity of your choice.