Ms. Texas Senior 2004

Patricia Madden Housel’s roots are in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Born 3 months after her father was killed in WWII, Pat’s mother, a professional woman, supermom and roll model formed the foundation for all that Pat was to become. When she was 13 her mother married the wonderful man who became Pat’s father-for-life. With this event, Pat suddenly became an Army Brat and her life changed forever. That year she was off to Germany with her newly expanded family to her new home and new school, Mannheim American High School. While at Mannheim AHS she was a cheerleader, editor of the yearbook, and a National Honor Society honor graduate. Pat began her college career at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY and went on to earn a Batchelor of Science degree from the University of Texas Dallas. The Dallas Fort Worth area has been Pat’s home for the last 43 years.

Pat and her husband Allen have 2 grown children, Patty & John, and 2 handsome and brilliant grandsons, Matthew and Jason. Pat is a proud Texan and proud to be Ms. Texas Senior America 2006.

For most of Pat’s working career she has been a Project Management Professional (PMP). She is currently employed at Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Dance has always been an important part of Pat’s life, and in 1997 she joined the Dallas Tap Dazzlers, an award-winning senior women’s dance company. With the Dazzlers Pat has done many fun and exciting things including performing down New York City’s Broadway in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2000.

Philosophy of Life Statement:
As a 9-year breast cancer survivor I have learned to count my blessings every day. Among them I count my husband Allen, my best friend, my companion, my support and the father of our children, Patty and John who have given us 2 handsome and brilliant grandsons – the stars who light up our lives; my Mother and stepfather who raised me and my father who gave his life in the service of our Country. I have so many things to be grateful for in my life and I would say to those who ask, my philosophy is: “Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly and Leave the rest to God.”