Patricia Jean Diggins

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Patricia Jean Diggins, 81, of Dallas, Texas on January 26, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born on December 21,1943 in Kansas City, Missouri to parents Bettye and John Meaney, Patricia enjoyed a happy childhood filled with love, laughter, and adventures shared with her beloved siblings Johnny and Kathleen and her many cousins. She carried those joyful memories and her strong Catholic upbringing with her throughout her life, always cherishing the importance of family and faith.

Patricia attended Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, where she met the love of her life, John. She proudly cheered him on at his St. Benedict soccer games, and together, they spent many joyful weekends attending each other’s dances and events. Patricia and John’s love story blossomed, and after John graduated, they married and began their journey together, eventually settling in Dallas where they raised a beautiful family and created countless memories. Patricia later earned a teaching degree from Texas Women’s University and coached physical education.

Patricia’s life was built on her unwavering devotion to her family. She was a loving wife to John, her husband of 60 years, and a cherished mother to her three children, Shawna, Johnny, and Brendan. Whether she was cheering them on at a sporting event or championing their latest ambitions, Patricia poured her love into each of them—offering wisdom, encouragement, and a steadfast example of faith and grace. She was a proud grandmother “Lele” who adored her six grandchildren: Lauren, John, Joey, Breanna, Jack, and Calvin. Her family was her greatest joy, and she found immeasurable happiness spending time and laughing with them. Whether through small gestures or heartfelt conversations, she always made her family feel deeply loved.

Patricia was a treasured friend to many, cherished for her warmth, compassion, loyalty, and generosity. She had a heart that welcomed everyone, and she found great joy in helping others. Her uplifting spirit and radiant smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

An avid tennis player, Patricia spent many years enjoying the game with friends and loved ones. From time to time, she and John teamed up as doubles partners where her competitive spirit led them to many victories. Her passion for staying active also included jogging and participating in 10K’s, biking, skiing with the family, and playing softball and soccer where she embraced every opportunity to enjoy the thrill of the game and the camaraderie it brought. Patricia found great joy in going on long walks, often accompanied by the family dog, taking in the beauty of the world around her and never missing a chance to stop and feed the ducks.

Patricia was a passionate reader and found joy in getting lost in the pages of a good book. She shared this passion with her family, especially her grandchildren, often spending time with them exploring bookstores. She also enjoyed participating in book clubs where she could engage in thoughtful discussions about the latest novels. Patricia had an undeniable sweet tooth for chocolate, especially brownies and ice cream, which never failed to bring her delight.

Patricia and John shared a love for travel, exploring together and creating cherished memories along the way. Their most meaningful journey took them to Ireland where they immersed themselves in their shared Irish heritage and marveled at the country’s breathtaking landscapes.

Patricia was preceded in death by her daughter, Shawna, and is survived by her husband, John, sons Johnny and Brendan, and grandchildren Lauren, John, Joey, Breanna, Jack, and Calvin who will forever cherish her love and the countless memories shared together.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home from 12:00 pm - 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, honoring Patricia’s lifelong devotion to helping others.

May Patricia rest in eternal peace, held in the arms of our Heavenly Father.