I’m thinking of Patsy and missing her even more than usual today.  One memory is of her at my 8th birthday party (only 64 years ago).  She said she could make the best animal noises and challenged everyone to try to do better.  We were all in hysterics, making pig, duck, cow, horse and other sounds.  There was never a dull moment around Patsy.

In June, 1977 I moved back to El Paso from Lubbock, Texas.  My marriage was over and I was very pregnant. I knew Patsy and Eddie from our UTEP days and our sorority. We weren’t super close but somehow we reconnected. I spent a lot of time with Patsy and baby Brian at their little house in Kern Place. She listened to me, comforted me, and advised me about what it would be like to have a baby. When Dr. Knaut gave me my x-ray showing that I was having twins, Patsy was the first person I showed it to. After the twins were born, life got kind of crazy. Patsy and I moved on to new adventures, but I never forgot my special time with her. I needed an angel and God sent me one. It is no wonder that she became a psychologist/counselor/advisor extraordinaire!

Our adventures with Patsy were always joyous and fun. She was the event organizer of our times together and always made the evening memorable. We'll never forget her infectious smile. We miss you.

Patsy and her OILS Program colleagues at a picnic

Patsy with her UNM OILS Program Colleagues

I first met Patsy when she interviewed for the faculty position at UNM. Patsy was pregnant with Marie then and took on the challenge of a new demanding job and caring for a baby and family. Patsy had that innate ability to face challenges with a positive outlook. We bonded immediately, collaborated on research projects, supported each other when times were difficult, and most importantly enjoyed each other’s company.

During her distinguished career at UNM, Patsy contributed immensely to the OILS, previously the OLIT program as a faculty member, advisor, program coordinator, department chair, and program director. She was one of the program’s foundational pillars. She built the organizational learning and human resource development emphasis and became the star of Adult Learning, Transformative Learning, and Positive Psychology. Patsy was also a great innovator and risk taker, for instance, she took up the challenge of teaching at a distance when she was not familiar with the technology. She was not afraid to take the risk of equipment failures or lost connections. This innovative, risk-taking spirit helped her to lead our academic program through many challenges and transitions to become a much sought-after program. She not only focused on academics but also built a sense of community and enjoyed social events such as picnics.

Patsy’s passion for work and positive psychology has encouraged many students to pursue a doctoral degree when they thought they could not. Many speak glowingly of her mentorship and ability to understand the adult learner. She has transformed many of us.

Patsy, you have been a truly amazing colleague and friend. You were one of those rare colleagues I could always trust and rely on. You cared about me as a colleague and supported me in all my goals and endeavors. It is that human touch and caring that makes you so unique. It is difficult to realize that such a wonderful, trustworthy, loving, caring friend with whom I worked for 27 years is no more. I feel a deep sense of loss.

It's your birthday today, Patsy. I fondly remember the times we celebrated it, and I am saddened that we cannot celebrate together anymore. I will miss you. Thank you for being a part of my life. May you rest in peace.

Lani Gunawardena

Patsy and I were pregnant with Becca and Brian at the same time. It was a very special time for us—-neither of us were working, I did have Marco to take care of, but mostly we had the time to spend afternoons together and compare notes on our pregnancies. We watched old movies, baked alot, talked about old times, planned and decorated the baby rooms, and pretty much enjoyed our life of leisure together. I really will miss laughing with Patsy—-once we got started, the giggles and belly laughs just flowed freely. I remember times where we had absolutely no idea why we were laughing. Just two sisters having fun! Can’t say I learned alot, it was just a beautiful slow time in my life that I got to spend with my sister that I will always cherish. I think it showed in Brian and Becca—-they were very close growing up all the way through high school and beyond. I love you sweet sister and miss you♥️

While I have many, MANY, stories about Patsy, one in particular sticks with me.  There was a fire at the Boverie residence around Christmas one year when a candle caught some curtains on fire during a holiday party.  Thankfully, no one was injured.  The Boverie’s had to move to a temporary residence while their home was repaired.  The house was out in the Eastwood area, I’m guessing about 12-15 miles from their home.  Patsy asked me to spend the night (just what Mrs. Boverie needed).  We were probably around ten or eleven years old.  We decided we wanted to go to Basset Center, but we had no way to get there.  We decided to walk . . .  What an adventure.  We didn’t take any water with us and I think we each had only $2 or $3 dollars with us.  We had walked only a couple of miles on Montana before we were sweaty, thirsty and hungry.  We walked a couple of blocks off Montana when we saw a grocery store.  We bought a couple of Cokes and a rotisserie chicken.  We didn’t have enough money to pay for everything, but the older woman at the register felt sorry for us and must have paid the balance because she put our items in a bag and told us to be careful.  We went outside the store and sat on the curb in the shade.  We literally ripped chicken apart and ate it with our hands and chugged the Cokes down.  Our hands were sticky and grungy, but we didn’t want to go back in the store.  We found an outside faucet and washed our hands off and splashed water on our faces.  We were determined to reach our destination, which we did after what seemed like the entire day of walking.  When we got to the mall we were exhausted, our feet hurt, and we had no money to buy anything.  We knew we had neither the energy nor the time to walk back to the Boverie house before dark.  We went to the Popular and went to the Customer Service office where Patsy used the phone to call her mom.  I don’t remember which of the older siblings picked us up, but we were very grateful for the ride.  We laughed about our ambitious trek for years.  I’m sure we looked like a couple of runaway urchins by the time we got to Bassett Center, but it was worth the memory.

Visiting Patsy

Patsy was my advisor for my Master's degree and on my dissertation committee for my PhD in OLIT. I took numerous classes taught by her and learned so much from her. I knew she was always in my corner, even when I was overwhelmed and intimidated by the program. I was consistently amazed by how many stories she had about different organizations where she had worked. She loved her children so deeply - you were also often part of her stories in class. I admired Patsy for her energy, passion, curiosity, intelligence, generosity, and joy. The world is a little bit brighter because she was in it. We will all carry forward the light she gave us. 

Though I only took two courses with Patsy, she had a great impact on who I am as an educator and a leader. I use quotes from her book and refer to it often. She was passionate and transformational. She will be greatly missed.

Patsy was my mentor and advisor during my Master's program at UNM, beginning in 2012. She was caring, candid, and encouraging from the moment we met. She had faith in me to both pursue and finish an advanced degree, which I didn't always have in myself. I appreciated her sense of humor-- she always had a funny phrase or tidbit she threw into conversation-- and her confidence. Nothing seemed too daunting or overwhelming. Her Adult Learning Theory class was transformational for me and opened my eyes to being a bigger thinker, a stronger person, and a killer student. She made the program "work" for me and I will forever be grateful to her for pushing me along the way and encouraging me to stick with it when things got tough. 

Patsy, thank you for being you. You are missed and I wish you much peace in the after life. 

To her family, I send my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Patsy was an amazing individual and a wonderful friend.  I have so many memories from time spent together from childhood on.  My thoughts are with the Boverie, Saab, Henderson and Fort families.  Sending you all much love!

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you!

Marsha & Wade Daw

Patsy was the 'rarest of rare,' and I am forever grateful that one, she agreed to chair my dissertation, and two, I got to call her friend and mentor. Like so many, I emulated Dr. Boverie. She had an HR background, same as me, and while she was wicked smart, she always used her intellect and wisdom to lift others up - you wanted to be around Patsy! You knew you were going to learn something and come away inspired. Time with Patsy was a gift. Thanks to her children and Randall for sharing her with us, I am forever changed as a result of having been in her sphere. Hugs to you all. 

I’m so sorry to hear of Pasty’s passing. Prayers to the family, Betsy and Joe, I’m so sorry 🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼 your family are in prayers 

Patsy was my introduction to OILS! She was the first person to engage with me when I was deciding to go back to school! Her enthusiasm was contagious and she filled me with all the confidence I needed when I it! Our introduction was brief…but her passion only continued when I was in her class. She was always bursting at the seams to teach and so happy when our whole class was clicking and the brain power was flowing. I am grateful for her one-on-one approach and that sparkle in her eye!

I remember her at one OILS Expo and I was kinda watching her, because I saw her talking to this person or that person and just seeing her connection with everyone, even it was brief. For someone like me that has all the courage to show up at an event but then wants to retreat to the corner…well she inspired me to look a person in the eye, introduce or re-introduce myself and bond! Patsy you will be missed.

Patsy was one of most amazing women I knew- and by far the coolest! She was so smart, so accomplished,  and so inspiring. Patsy had an infectious energy and joy when you were around her- you couldn’t help engaging on a higher intellectual level with her. You left conversations feeling  somewhat challenged, but always left smarter - it was truly beautiful.  I will remember her so fondly- she was always so kind to Lyle and treated her like another granddaughter! Her cooking was incredible and we always loved getting to see her in Albuquerque.  She added so much to this world. I’m Heartbroken to have her gone. Love to the Saabs , Elizabeth and Marie - You’re in my heart.  I loved your mother/Mamie❤️❤️- Melinda

My mom went all out for holidays - the house nearly burst at the seams with decorations and she always encouraged traditions. As a child at Easter, we threw a big party every year - the preparations for it included me, Marie, and my mom making cascarones (confetti eggs) and handmade painted papier mache pinatas in the shape of Easter eggs. She didn't care how much time it took or how messy it was - she loved the creativity that it sparked in my sister and me during the process and then the joyful chaos of cracking cascarones over guest's heads and bursting open the pinatas on Easter :)