Patricia T. McMullen

McMullen, Patricia T Patricia T. McMullen passed peacefully, with family at her side, on February 27, 2013 at St. John�s rehabilitation center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was 94 years old. Born Patricia Maria Theresa Thornton on Friday February 7, 1919 in Trinity county Texas, her father, Luther Thornton, was a cattle rancher and her mother, Laura Ann Dunaway, was a homemaker. Pat was the eldest of 4 children. She was followed by Juanita (Nini), then Gene, and finally Lou. Pat was raised on a 160 acre ranch where she spent her days riding horses bareback and playing with feral cats that would wander onto the ranch. She developed a love and passion for animals starting at a young age that carried until her passing. They lived a modest life with homemade clothes, food that was grown and raised themselves, and an appreciation for hard work. At a very young age Patricia met and married Edward Barrera in Bexar county, Texas. They had two children, Larry and JoAnn. She worked in San Antonio as a fashion sales representative. Her admiration for personal style and interior design thrived. She loved to wear bright, bold colors and adored personal fashion design. Pat always made sure that she was dressed and accessorized beautifully whenever she went out. After some time the couple separated and Patricia, along with her children, moved to Idaho. This was where she met and married the love of her life, Orren C. McMullen Jr; who we all called Mac. Patricia and Mac moved to California in the mid 1950�s. Patricia worked as the manager of her brother, Gene�s health studio for over 10 years. Working in the health studio, accompanied with her childhood on a ranch, gave her a great appreciation for healthly living. Pat spent many days taking classes at the local college to further her passion for maintaining a healthy life. She enjoyed taking yoga, swimming, and could bench press 80 lbs. Mac was trained by NASA as a bomb disposal expert and worked as a Deputy Sheriff on the Bomb squad. He also spent time working at the Santa Rita Prison. In 1980 they settled into their dream home in Discovery Bay, California, owning a house right on the water. They enjoyed spending their leisure time together; boating and having family gatherings. While in this home Pat and Mac acquired the nickname �Grandma and Grandpa by the water� from their great grandchildren, Rick and Laura Ann. On May 21, 2004 Patricia became a widow. She continued to live in her dream home until Christmas time, 2007, at which time she moved in with her daughter, JoAnn, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She lived out the rest of her days there with love, respect and admiration, surrounded by family in the area as well as family who would frequently come to visit her. In Patricia�s younger years she was described as outgoing, social, fun loving, and even flamboyant. She adored music; singing to it, dancing to it, or just listening to it all day long. Pat remained extremely close with her siblings over the years. The sisters would love to cook together and teach the younger children, and grandchildren, how to dance the jitterbug. She loved being in the presence of others and having a good time. She was a spiritual and caring person who would pray daily. To Pat, nothing was more important than the happiness and well-being of those that she loved. Anyone who spent time with her would tell you that she radiated love and compassion. The joy that she brought by her very presence molded the people who where lucky enough to know her. Her life was a story, a life not simply of existence, but a life that was truly lived to it�s fullest. Her love was a love that emulated in all those around her and the fond memories she created with every warm-hearted smile she gave, every song she sung, with every affectionate embrace, will forever be engraved on the hearts of those who knew and adored her. Her memory, and legacy, will be cherished forever. Pat had a very large family consisting of; 3 siblings, Juanita, Gene, and Lou; 2 children, Larry and JoAnn; 3 grandchildren, Deborah, Catherine, and Theresa; 3 great grandchildren, Rick, Laura Ann, and Alexa; 6 great-great grandchildren, Ashlynn, Joshua, Madilynn, Aubrie, Gavin, and Connor; and many nieces and nephews. The family will be having a private viewing at Daniels funeral home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, on Friday March 1, 2013 from 10:00am to 10:30am followed by a celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers the family asks that charitable donations be made to the Make a Wish foundation in Patricia's name. Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192