Mary Patricia Spalek, known to her family and friends at "Patty" or "Dewey" was born March 15, 1951 in Castlepollard, Ireland, County of Westmeath. She passed away January 13, 2021 in Bay City, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Lillian Spalek.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Spalek and wife Marilyn, nieces and nephews Cody Spalek (Jodi), Stacy Garcia (Baldemar), Tina Betcher (Jimmy), Lisa Acheson, Sabert Earhart (Stefanie), and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Patty was brought to the United States in 1953 through the Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father C. J. Martin. Her soon to be loving mother went to New York to get her.  Larry could not believe his eyes when he saw a little girl coming into their home.  Patty was raised in Bay City.  She graduated from Bay City High School in 1969.  She was a member of the Bay City Sparks State Champion Softball Team, she loved playing sports.

She was a member of the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department and took great pride in being a fire fighter for so many years.

Her career at Celanese began in 1976. She started in Operations and advanced to Safety Inspector and was a part of the Fire Brigade.  She retired from there in 2001.

Patty's favorite pastime was cooking for all of her friends to enjoy. She ran a small catering business called "Dewy's Catering Service".  That is where her favorite nephew Cody learned a few of his BBQ skills.  They spent many hours together doing what they loved.  Patty has cooked in more cook-offs and competitions than we can count.  She has also flipped more steaks at the Holding Pen than anyone around.  She absolutely loved being a part of the Holding Pen during the Matagorda County Fair and cooking for four days in a row every year in March.  Her fingers would be black after Saturday night.  She knew when the steaks were done by feel.  She taught Colton how to cook steaks like that too.

In the early 2000's she moved to Lake Livingston to be near her friends. At this time she also began her next career with Texas A&M as a Hazmat Instructor.  She trained many men and women during her time there.

Being at the lake was her "Happy Place". She spent her weekends and holidays cooking and entertaining her friends.  There was always a good time at Dewey's!  On the 4 ^th of July you would find her in the golf cart parade.  That was a fun time!  Poker Runs all over the neighborhood were also a fun time!  Pine Shadows chili cook-offs and rib cook-offs were her favorite days.  I'm sure there were plenty of "Adult Beverages" as she would say.

Patty loved the summer time when Cody, Jodi, Madi and Colton would come to stay at the lake. Aunt Patty would invite everyone over to her house to see her "kids".  She and Cody would always cook up something delicious and share recipes.  And of course, if Cody had a new cooking gadget, Patty would get on Amazon right then to order herself one.

Patty loved playing golf. She also loved bowling.  She would drive her Big Winnebago all across Texas going to bowling tournaments.  There was not much that lady did not attempt and succeed in.

In August 2019 she moved to Markham. She wanted to be closer to family and Cody and Jodi found her the prefect little house one block from them.  She loved being in Markham in her "little cottage".  She loved the afternoon visits from the kinds and loved afternoon cocktails with her brother.

Everyone knew not to bother her if Texas A&M, Dallas Cowboys or the Astros were on TV. She attended the Astros World Series in 2005 and couldn't believe how expensive it was to park and buy beer.

Above all we will miss her quirky sayings and ability to repeat jokes word for word. Patty lived a full life and she touched the lives of many.  She will be very missed by all.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Monday, January 18, 2021 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home followed by funeral services at 10:00 AM with Matt Springfield officiating.

Please consider making memorial donations to The Holding Pen Club; PO Box 108; Bay City, TX 77404-0108.