Patricia "Patty" Ann Petersen, 73, passed away on July 11, 2023, following a long and hard fought battle with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. Patty was born in Schulenburg, Texas, to Dorothy and Leo Schmidt. The oldest of 6 siblings, she worked hard picking cotton and milking cows on the family farm while keeping her siblings in line. Patty was the life of every party, always finding time for her love of dancing, music, and her friends. She had a legendary, infectious smile that lit up every room. After graduating from Bishop Forest High School in 1967, Patty forged a new path, joining her hometown girlfriends in Houston. Ever the trend setter, most of her siblings followed suit in the years to come. Taking her farm town work ethic to the big city, Patty had a long, successful career as an Executive Assistant, working for some of Houston's top executives in the banking and oil & gas industries.

Patty met her husband, Ron, at a dance at New Bileau Hall where he was playing saxophone for the band The Triumphs. She was a lifelong groupie, attending nearly all of their shows over the next 50 years. Patty was known as the "Energizer Bunny" both on and off the dance floor for her keen organizational skills, impeccably clean house and nonstop energy. She always put family and others first, quick to give a hug, a meal, or a generous tip. Patty spent countless hours cheering on her children, Jeff and Jennifer, at scout meetings, dance recitals, ball games, and school functions. Patty was a devout Catholic, active as a youth at St. Mary in High Hill and a longtime parishioner at St. John Vianney in Houston, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. Her legacy of generosity will live on through the countless strangers, family members, and friends she helped in times of need. Patty will be most remembered for her radiant spirit, immense generosity, no nonsense wit, and deep love for God and family.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Leo J. and Dorothy Bludau Schmidt. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ron Petersen; her son, Jeff Petersen and his wife Mittsi; her daughter, Jennifer Petersen; and by her two grandsons, Jacob and Fields Petersen, who know her as "Oma".  She is also survived by her sister, Isabel Litzmann and her husband Larry; brother, Jim Schmidt and his wife Sheila; brother, Donald Schmidt and his wife Jill; brother, Bob Schmidt and his wife Marcy; brother, Dave Schmidt and his wife Donna; and 19 nieces and nephews and their children.

A celebration of her life and reception will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas (2833 FM 2672) on August 19 at 9:30 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m.

Contributions in memory of Patty can be made to Patty's longtime charity of choice, Joseph's Coat Resale Shop at St. John Vianney Catholic Church or St. Mary Catholic Church- High Hill.