Patricia Ann Clipp McGiffert

She has now joined her loving husband, Lt. General John R McGiffert, who preceded her in death in 2000. Their 54 year marriage was a long, deep and meaningful one, full of love and support, and an example for many.

She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter and friend.

She lived a life full of humor, love, and adventure. She was resilient and simply loved life.

She was born on June 14th, 1926, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Louis Egan and Gladys Clipp and spent much of her early childhood in Painesville, Ohio, with her father's family. She had fond, early memories of living in a big Victorian house of her grandparents with her parents and aunts.

Her family then moved to Washington DC where she met her true love at Western High School. They married and lovingly raised four children. She was an inspiration, support and advocate to many friends, her immediate and extended family.

A true independent spirit, she was opinionated and open minded and someone who encouraged her brood that they could do anything.

An avid reader and a true student of life, she was constantly pursuing new knowledge and loved to research and share family history, talk politics, history, art, fashion, trivia and literature.

She possessed enormous style and loved design and fashion. She was a master seamstress for herself and her children, collector of antiques and writer of haikus.

She spent much of her life helping others through many volunteer pursuits as: a driver, office volunteer of the year in 2007 and board member for NESA, an interfaith nonprofit helping elders to live independently in their own homes; a founding board member of the Army Residence Community (ARC); the coordinator of the ARC Angels; a puppeteer at the Institute of Texan Culture; manager of Christ Episcopal Church book store; member of San Antonio Carousel Foundation; member of the Society for the Preservation of Old Fort Sam Houston, supporting the restoration of the Stillwell House; Charter member of the National Women's Museum; and as a young mother, a Red Cross Gray Lady providing support to hospitalized military personnel.

She was an active and dedicated member of the Episcopal Church for almost 60 years and of Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio for over 30 years.

She always supported her husband's career in the Army, moving frequently, hosting dignitary events and heading the household for long periods of time - doing so with grace and strength.

She also supported her husband's career as the Director of the Institute of Texan Cultures. Some of her favorite moments from these times were: meeting the Queen of England, the King and Queen of Spain and spending Diez y Seis de Septiembre in Mexico City in the Presidential Palace.

She and her husband travelled extensively through Europe, North America and Asia during his military career and then for pleasure during retirement. She and her husband spent much of their retirement at their peaceful summer oasis in a family cabin on Lake Armington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

She is preceded in death by her mother, father, husband and brother, Louis Clipp.

She is survived by her sister, Sally Walker (Howard) of Walkerton, Virginia; her sister-in-law, Peggy Viney (Col. George Viney) of San Antonio; her four children: Chris McGiffert of St Paul, Minnesota; Katy Reeves (Scot) of Ellensburg, Washington; Lisa McGiffert and Maggy McGiffert (Carter York) all of Austin, Texas; her 8 grandchildren: Gage, Spencer and Sy Reeves; Jasmine and Nova McGiffert; Leo, Walden and Lulu York; and her 8 great grandchildren: Opal, Lupine, Asher, Keziah, Salem, Justus, Kylee and Zanna.

She will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to: Northeast Senior Assistance (NESA): 2903 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78217; http://www.neseniorassistance.org