Patricia Koleszar

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When you see a sunflower, think of Patti. Bright, warm, resilient, and impossible not to notice—sunflowers seem to carry a little piece of her spirit.

Patricia Joy Koleszar, lovingly known to nearly everyone as Patti, passed away on September 14, 2026, at the age of 63.

Born Patricia Joy Tolley on September 6, 1963, Patti spent most of her adult life in Texas. Throughout her life, she was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana, friend, advocate, listener, supporter, and someone who seemed to have an endless capacity for caring for others.

Patti had a big heart.

She was the kind of person who would help whenever she could. She listened without judgment and had a gift for making people feel heard. Her compassion wasn't simply something she talked about—it was something she lived. She carried that compassion into her work as a Peer Recovery Specialist with Molina, where she was able to use her experiences and understanding to help others navigate difficult seasons of their own lives.

Patti was incredibly proud of earning her master's degree. She graduated from college later in life, and that accomplishment represented so much more than a degree. It represented determination, perseverance, and the belief that it is never too late to accomplish something meaningful.

Her Christian faith was an important part of her life, and she was also involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, supporting a cause that was deeply connected to her own journey. 

Patti's own journey was not an easy one.

She faced multiple sclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver, lung cancer, and numerous other health setbacks throughout her life. Yet those who knew her often had no idea just how much she was suffering. Patti had a remarkable ability to put on a brave face and keep moving forward.

She rarely wanted her pain to become someone else's burden.

Even when her own cup was nearly empty, Patti would pour from it anyway.

That was simply who she was.

But Patti's life cannot—and should not—be defined by the illnesses she battled. Those were only chapters in her story. Her story was much bigger than her suffering.

Her story was about love.

Especially the love she had for her grandchildren.

Her grandkids were the light of her life. They brought her immeasurable joy, and the love she had for them was one of the most unmistakable parts of who she was. She leaves behind memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Patti is survived by her siblings, Joe, David & Martin; children, Josh, Jeff & Justin; many grandchildren, and countless extended family members and friends who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Aaron. 

Among the people who knew Patti best was her beloved best friend, Misty, whose friendship was an important part of her life. Patti thought of Misty as a sister. They would stay up until dawn, laughing and telling stories. 

And then there was Josh.

Patti's youngest son, Josh, was the son who never gave up on her.

For decades, Josh made sure his mom was cared for. He made sure she was included, often had her over for dinner, and when he and his family relocated to different parts of Texas, he made sure Patti moved with them. He kept her close and made sure she remained part of their family life.

Their relationship was filled with the ordinary moments that become the most precious memories.

They watched Dallas Cowboys games together. They debated which team was better—Texas or OU—and enjoyed the rivalry throughout college football season. Patti was never shy about having an opinion.

She even became convinced that Josh's own wedding was good luck for the Texas Longhorns. After he & Zanna said "I do," Texas started winning during the Texas-versus-OU game, and Patti was more than happy to give them credit for the turnaround.

That was Patti.

She could turn a football game into a family memory.

And she was just as enthusiastic about supporting Josh.

Patti was Schawarmin' Up's biggest fan. She believed in Josh and was proud of what he was building with his food truck. She gifted him a sign for the business and chef coats, proudly supporting his dream and cheering him on along the way.

She wasn't just his mother.

She was his cheerleader, his supporter, his dinner companion, his football debate partner, and one of the people who believed in him most.

And Josh was there for her.

Through decades of changing circumstances, relocations, illnesses, and difficult days, he continued to show up. He never gave up on his mom.

Patti spent much of her life pouring from her cup for everyone else.

Josh made sure that, when she needed it most, someone was pouring back into hers.

Patti also knew how to have fun.

She loved a good theme.

If there was a themed event, Patti didn't just participate—she went all out. Halloween was especially special because she loved dressing up and embracing the opportunity to become someone—or something—entirely different for the occasion. She would go trick-or-treating every year with her grandson, Russell.She had a creative spirit and enjoyed dabbling in many different crafts, always finding something new to make, try, or enjoy.

She loved the beach, too.

There was something about the beach that brought her peace, and it is fitting that the place she loved will ultimately become her final resting place. Her ashes will be laid to rest at a local beach, returning her to a place that brought her happiness and calm.

And then there are the sunflowers.

For those who knew Patti, a sunflower may never simply be a flower again.

When you see a sunflower, think of Patti.

Bright, warm, resilient, and impossible not to notice—sunflowers seem to carry a little piece of her spirit. They can serve as a reminder of her warmth, her strength, and the love she gave so freely.

Patti's life was complicated. It contained joy and heartbreak, accomplishments and setbacks, laughter and pain. She carried burdens that many people never knew existed.

But she also kept loving.

She kept listening.

She kept helping.

She kept showing up.

She kept finding reasons to laugh.

She kept going to the beach.

She kept cheering for the Cowboys.

She kept arguing about Texas and OU.

She kept dressing up for Halloween.

She kept loving her grandchildren.

She kept believing in her son.

And she kept pouring from her cup, even when there was almost nothing left.

Now, Patti doesn't have to be strong anymore.

She doesn't have to hide her pain.

She doesn't have to put on a brave face.

She doesn't have to fight another battle.

She can finally rest.

May she be remembered not for how much she suffered, but for how much she loved.

May she be remembered in the laughter of her grandchildren, in the sound of waves rolling onto the shore, in a ridiculous Halloween costume, in a football rivalry that gets just a little too heated, in the work of helping someone who needs a hand, and in every bright sunflower that catches the light.

Patti gave pieces of herself to so many people throughout her life.

Those pieces remain.

In her children.

In her grandchildren.

In her friends.

In the people she helped.

In the people who listened to her stories.

In the people she encouraged.

In the people who loved her.

And in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to call her Patti.

Rest peacefully, Patti.

Your cup is finally full.

You are deeply loved, you will be profoundly missed, and you will never be forgotten.

Please honor Patti by placing donations to the Houston SPCA: 

https://act.houstonspca.org