Patsy Jo Diedrich, 62, passed away May 1, 2006, in Houston, Texas, after a valiant battle with breast cancer.
Pat was born Oct. 4, 1943, in Ord, Neb., to Carroll and Irma Annyas. The family lived in North Loupe and Grand Island, Neb., before moving to Everett, Wash., in 1954. Pat graduated from Everett High School in 1961. In 1965, Pat married Harold Diedrich and their daughter, Lisa, was born in 1966.
Right after graduation from high school, Pat started working for Land Title Company of Everett. In the next few years, Pat moved into lending and became very active in the home mortgage industry. She was instrumental in the formation of the Association of Professional Mortgage Women in Everett and served as their president from 1971-1972.
After moving to Houston in 1978, Pat worked as Senior Loan Officer for several mortgage companies until establishing her own Houston Lending in 1996. Over the years, Pat was active in all phases of providing home ownership including working with the Greater Houston Builders Association. Through the years, she received numerous awards for her work including the prestigious PRISM in 1995.
One of her many successes was helping single women realize their dream of homeownership. Pat was well known and respected in Everett as well as throughout the entire Houston area.
Although very busy with a career, Pat enjoyed an active social life. In 1990, while square dancing with a singles group, she met and fell in love with Jimmy Brown, with whom she spent 16 wonderful years. Pat and Jim continued to square dance, including with exhibition groups.
They crewed on the tall ship Elissa at the Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston. Pat served as President of The Krewe of Who? (a Galveston based Mardi Gras Krewe) and was also the Krewes Queen in 2000. Pats love of travel abroad and on Texas-style road trips took her to many places and gave her many wonderful friends.
Pat was preceded in death by her mother, Irma Waller Annyas; and sister, Peggy Annyas.
She is survived by Jimmy Brown, of Houston, Texas; daughter, Lisa Diedrich, of Austin, Texas; father, Carroll Annyas, of Monroe, Wash.; sister, Penny (Jack) Nyman, of Marysville, Wash.; and nieces, Angela (Brandon) Stroup, of Seabeck, Wash. and Adrianne Nyman, of Everett. Pat also leaves behind her six beloved grandchildren, Nicole, Ryan, Brittni, Isabelle, Gabriel and Hannah; and one great-granddaughter, Shelby.
Pat was a brave, unique and most gifted person who was loved by all who knew her. She was truly a gracious lady and we miss her dearly. No one could ever replace her. She will always hold a very special place in our hearts and the hearts of those she touched.