Patricia Ridley Mangum died alone on July 11th, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas.

She graduated from El Campo High School in Texas and her last career choices were as a Registered Nurse and a Child Welfare caseworker after earning her Bachelor's degrees. A pretty big deal for a woman born in the '40s. She loved dancing, The Cowboys, Chanel No. 5, Virginia Slims, Jeopardy, and Pespi.

 Her early childhood was unfortunate and part of the pain she carried into adulthood, and gave to her children. Patricia is survived by her 6 estranged children, as well as her estranged brother and  a sister, who are also estranged from all of their children.  Despite the abuse and neglect,  and those who enabled her choices; forgiveness exists. May everyone get 11 fold of what they wish for their family in this group.

Patricia's oldest adult child who always covered for and protected Patricia's abuse, unsurprisingly chose not to notify any relatives of Patricia's passing. She is understandably angry that she was the only one left in contact with Patsy, as others had walked away when they had enough abuse and neglect. When a sibling asked them for Patricia's address they pretended she was still alive and they were withholding the information, instead of letting this younger sibling know Patsy had died 2 years prior. According to email records  this older sibling would later share the news of Patricia's passing because "my husband told me to tell you so this could be over."  

They say parents are only as happy as their least happy child. If this is true, the last 39 years of Patsy's life must have felt like betrayal and devastation.  All the children were worthy of a childhood free from familial-abuse and neglect. Some have been able to offer it to themselves and build bonds with relatives despite being separated. We hope for truth and clarity to those on the path of healing. May we all know that someone dying doesn't change how they lived and may we hold compassion for our imperfect parts rather than blaming victims.  

One of Patsy's grandchildren read this obituary and said, "Not a lie was told." 

And that's all she wrote.

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