In Memory of

Patsy

Waller

Nichols

Obituary for Patsy Waller Nichols

Patsy Waller Nichols, 63, of Austin, Texas died on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 in Austin after a brief illness related to West Nile Virus. She was born January 31, 1949 in Luling, Texas to Dr. Edward Pendleton Waller and Robbie Robinson Waller. She grew up in San Antonio, Texas.

After graduating from Alamo Heights High School in 1967, Patsy attended Tulane where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and Secretary of the Newcomb student body. She and her husband Bruce met at Tulane and were happily married for 43 years. Soon after their wedding in 1969 Bruce left to serve in the U.S. Navy while Patsy completed her degree at Texas Tech University.

Upon Bruce’s return from Vietnam they were stationed in Bermuda, which fostered a love for that country and many happy return trips. In 1973 they moved to Houston where Patsy attended the University of Houston Law School. She joined the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski in 1976. After the birth of their son, Travis, Patsy and Bruce moved to Austin where she continued her practice at Fulbright. In 1984 she became one of the first female partners at Fulbright in Austin and remained with the firm for her entire legal career, spanning over 36 years.

When Patsy and Bruce’s son Travis attended Texas A&M University Patsy became an avid and loyal Aggie mom. She was involved in many Aggie organizations, including Aggie Moms, the University Libraries, the Corp of Cadets and the Bush School. In 2009 she was appointed to the A&M University International Advisory Board. In recognition of their contribution and devotion to the university Patsy and Bruce were named Aggie Parents of the Year in 2007.

Patsy had an incredible enthusiasm for life, a warm smile, and a generous spirit. She gave wholeheartedly to everything she did. Patsy especially loved to spend time and to travel with family and friends. Celebrating holidays was very important to her and her hospitality always made them uniquely special. She also loved her many pets, especially Boomer.

In addition to her devoted husband, Bruce, Patsy is survived by her son Dr. Travis Nichols and his wife Katy, two grandsons, Tyler and Mason, her brother Edward P. (Joe) Waller and wife Carla, and sister Betty Martin and husband John. She is also survived by nieces Meredith Reshoft and husband Andreas, Lacy Lawrence and husband John, Brooke Waller, Paige DiVittorio and husband John, nephew Derrick Price and wife Lauren, mother-in-law Sara Nichols, sister-in-law Carol Sneed and husband Bill, their daughter Katherine Sneed, and sister-in law Ann Nichols. Patsy also leaves behind many long time close friends who loved her dearly.

The family wishes to thank their long time internist and friend, Dr. Ace Alsup, as well as the doctors and staff in the Seton Hospital ICU.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, the 5th of October, at Weed Corley Fish at 3125 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas.

A memorial service celebrating Patsy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 6 at 1:00 pm at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Boulevard, Austin, Texas. There will be a reception at the church following the service.

A private burial service will be held at the Aggie Field of Honor on Sunday, October 7th.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation and sent to the College of Veterinary Medicine Development Office, 4461 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4461 (For Patsy Nichols), to the Trudy Brune Hill Country SPCA, 2981 Highway 16 South, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, or to a charity of your choice.