Patricia’s life was a globe-hopping adventure. The Texas beauty was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, Texas on July 26, 1930. She attended Christ the King Catholic Grade School and graduated from Reagan High School after the 11th Grade. Patricia lived with her grandmother in Houston until 1948 when she moved to Venezuela where her mom and dad lived and he worked for an oil company, Esso. There she met her future husband, Joe H. Barber, who had been born and raised in Midland, Texas. Joe was in Venezuela walking pipelines for Mobil Oil. The two met at a square dance competition. Patricia fell in love with the handsome, long, tall Texan who could dance. Joe’s nickname for Patricia was “Patsy.”
Patricia’s father approved of Joe, but he told her to wait six months before marrying Joe. Patricia moved back to Houston to live with her grandmother while she waited. Patricia and Joe married in Houston on June 6, 1948. Patricia’s Uncle Ed, who also lived in town, was a conductor on the Southern Pacific Rail Line, which went to New York City. For their honeymoon, Patricia and Joe took the train to New York City. From there, they went on to New Orleans where they boarded a ship to Caracas, Venezuela. Patricia’s parents picked them up at the port.
On November 7, 1949, Patricia and Joe’s eldest daughter, Kathleen Ann, was born in Maricaibo, Venezuela. In 1961, the family moved back to Houston from Maricaibo. The couple’s youngest daughter, Deborah Kay was born in Houston on April 17, 1963. Shortly after that, Patricia’s international journey continued. Joe took a job in Tripoli, Libya, and Patricia soon brought the girls to join him there. Deborah, who was only two months old at the time, rode in an infant hammock on the flight to Tripoli.
Patricia was a wonderful cook. Growing up, she had a best friend named Lee Weathersbee, who lived in Whitney, Texas, and Lee’s dad owned a restaurant. Patricia learned to cook while visiting Lee and her family. She always loved to make the Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey and cornbread dressing. Joe enjoyed welding as a hobby. He made furniture for the family and, while they lived in Tripoli, he made an aquarium for the girls. The family moved back to Texas in 1974, and eventually relocated to California.
Patricia was predeceased by her beloved husband and youngest daughter. She lived life to its fullest and, at the end, looked forward to being reunited with Joe. She is survived by her loving daughter, Kathy, as well as two dear grandsons, Colton and Byran. Patricia also has seven precious great-grandchildren: Olivia, Adelaide, Ivy, Penelope, Briggs, Whit, and Wells.
She will be dearly missed.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17