Patricia Holmes of Austin, beloved wife and mother, passed away on June 15, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on Aug. 4, 1958, in San Marcos, TX to Alfonso and Hermelinda Lopez. Patricia grew up in San Marcos and graduated from Southwest Texas State University (SWTSU) with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Criminal Justice. In 1980, she received her Master’s degree in Public Administration, also from SWTSU.
After teaching for a year, she decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and applied to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). She graduated second in her class. Patricia became the first female in DPS history to be promoted above the rank of Trooper. She was also the first DPS female to graduate from the FBI National Academy. She rose to the rank of Captain and retired after 30 years of service.
Patricia met fellow DPS officer Jimmy Holmes who was also stationed at the South Austin DPS office. They married in 1989 and had their daughter Sarah in 1990. Patricia was a devoted wife and mother and loved attending all of Sarah’s sporting and school activities.
Patricia, Jimmy and Sarah loved to travel; they visited every state in the U.S. as well as many foreign countries. Besides her devotion to her family she was a loving and caring daughter to her parents, “Poncho” and “Chita”.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 26 years Jimmy Holmes; daughter Sarah; father Alfonso “Poncho” Lopez; brother Mario Lopez and wife Caroline of Dallas; brother Michael Lopez and wife Shari of Katy; nieces Mikaela Antonia Lopez and Lillie Isabelle Lopez; and a large, extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins and many dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother Hermelinda “Chita” Arredondo Lopez.
Serving as pallbearers are Jerry Moczygemba, Victor Garcia, Troy Boddy, Juan Solis, Danny Arredondo, and John Cruddas.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 18, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. With a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home located at FM 2770 & Kohlers Crossing in Kyle, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church, 801 N. Burleson Street, Kyle, Texas. Interment will follow at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale, Texas.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrell Funeral Home.
