Patricia Vidrine Talbert was welcomed into Heaven to meet her Savior, surrounded by family Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Waco, Texas, at the age of 81.
Graveside Service: 2:30PM Friday, June 9 at China Spring Cemetery.
Patricia was born on March 26, 1942, in Redwood, California, to Carrie Bell Litton Vidrine and Kirby Lee Vidrine. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona; Natchez and Oxford, Mississippi; and Hereford and Weatherford, Texas. She graduated from Hereford High School in 1960. She attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, and transferred and graduated from Mid-Western University in the School of Education in 1969 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Patricia completed her master’s degree in human relations at the University of Oklahoma.
In 1969, she moved to Waco, Texas, and began teaching at Connally ISD. Patricia started a professional role as a Special Education Teacher in the school setting. Over her teaching career, she taught first and second grade and was the campus specialist for students with academic and behavioral struggles. She helped shape the minds of countless students over the 36 years she taught at Connally ISD. She taught Sunday School throughout those years and loved working with children. She served as a proud member of Alpha Delta Kappa, the teacher’s honorary society.
Patricia loved Texas history, world history, maps, and WWI and WWII history. She especially loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, Easton, and Elizabeth.
Patricia was a kind, compassionate woman, and a beloved wife to Lynn D. Talbert for twenty-six years. Pat always had a youthful demeanor and a smile that would brighten any room. Her strength and guidance from Jesus Christ helped her with her twenty-year-long battle with Cancer. She will be greatly missed.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Kirby Lee Vidrine and Carrie Bell Litton Vidrine, and brothers, Jerry M. Vidrine and Robert J. (Bob) Vidrine.
Pat was a loving, devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her brother, James Vidrine, and his wife, Jackie Vidrine of Hewitt, TX; her daughters, Jennifer Talbert, and her husband, Armen Hajdari of Athens, Ohio, and Carrie L. Farrell, and her husband, John Chadwick Farrell of Woodway; grandchildren, Easton A. West, and Elizabeth Farrell both of Woodway, TX; and other family members.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Texas Oncology of Central Texas, Providence Hospital, and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate service to Patricia. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
You are encouraged to leave a condolence or fond memory about Pat.
Place of Service: China Spring Cemetery , 15654 Old China Spring Rd,; China Spring, TX 76633
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Well, I know I will miss Pat so much. She was my sister-in-law but was much more than that to me! Pat was like my own sister. Through the years we have shared so many things, laughed so much, cried together and hugged really tight. I will miss Pat terribly but there are No Tears in Heaven. Rest sweet Pat. Love, Patsy
Seeing the love Jenn had for her mother shows me she will be deeply missed and thought of often. I remember at a speech and debate tournament Jenn wanted to be sure to get photos of the beautiful campus to show her mother. Patsy raised a strong woman with a kind heart. After reading her obituary I have no doubts that she was also an incredibly strong woman with a lot of love to share. My dad and I are thinking of you all through this process, and praying for all who loved her.
I met Pat as a teenager. I became very close friends with her youngest daughter Carrie. We soon found out our mother’s had the same birthday so I adopted her as my other mom. She welcomed me into her family and always make it a point to keep in touch when I visited home. Pat showed dedication and humility as a caretaker to her mother and brother for many years. Her daughter Carrie partnered with her and learned the same attributes, which she then displayed as she cared for Pat for many years of cancer rounds. Her joy and tenacity are seeing in her family. Her daughters have followed her legacy as world-changers a.k.a educators. I know that had to give her the greatest joy.
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. We are lifting you up in prayers everyday.
With all our love,
I was friends with Patsy Lee since 1960, and I never recall seeing her angry, or rude to anyone, or anything but an example of grace, a true lady.
You will forever be my oldest and best friend, Pat.
Love always,
Judy
My dearest sister you were a hero. You helped me to write my name as a child. You helped raise three younger brothers who were always picking on you as brothers do sometimes. When our mom got frail you were always her angel while you had your own two daughters to deal with at home. When Bobby was left after mom had left us you took him in and raised him even when he also became ill and stood with him till the end You are and will always be the hero in our family. Wished I had told you I loved you more often and had asked more questions about things of our childhoods. A part of my soul is now gone. Your brother Jimmy
What a privilege to have Pat as my friend. She always had an encouraging word to say along with her precious smile. She continued to be strong in her life struggles and would tell me “you just can’t give up”. She was my hero and a great example to follow. We shared many conversations of our faith, and I know God is pleased with her. A dear friend that will be missed until we are together again in heaven.
So sorry for the loss of our Aunt Patsy. A solid example of such a gracious lady and firm in her faith. A steadfast example to the end for both of her daughters and always praying for their spiritual wellbeing. A huge loss for our family but much comfort that she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With much love and affection from the entire family of your older brother, Kirby Lee Vidrine, Jr.
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I graduated with Jennifer at Connally in 90. Later I became friends with Carrie I know your mother is proud of both of y’all. God bless the family and Patsy.
Pat was the kindest and most genuine person I have ever known. She taught me so much about being a good mom and a good teacher. Anyone who was blessed to know her is better for knowing her. Rest well, sweet Pat.
I am sorry for your loss Jennifer and Carrier. Your Mom was my first grade teacher. I still remember how kind she was. Thinking of you and praying for you and your Mom.
You were a wonderful wife and I will always love,Lynn
To the family: I am so sorry for your loss. I will always think of Pat as a wonderful kind person.
Kenny Beth VanMeter
Patsy and I were friends for a lifetime. We were neighbors and pals in Phoenix at age 3 on – and kept in touch as we navigated through our lives. We were four months apart in age. Our mothers remained close friends as well and occasionally Mom and I went to Texas for visits.
Patsy possessed a kind and generous heart that is rarely seen. Her goodness could put others (myself included) to shame. She was kind and generous beyond measure and her sweet nature and goodness were unparalleled. She was truly good and decent but could be tough as well.
I will miss her voice and laughter more than I can say. Heaven is better by her presence. Those who enjoyed her love will have its memories to hold them intact through the rough times.
Words fail to convey who she was and what she gave to those who shared her love. My deepest sympathy goes to Carrie and Jennifer who regularly met her needs.
Charlene Elliott Trainor