Patricia Ann Pendergist

On February 19, 2025, Patricia Ann Faulkner Pendergist passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and dear friend. Throughout her life, she held many titles, each reflecting the deep connections she formed with those around her. To her husband, Mick, she was Honey. To her children, she was Mom. To her friends, she was Pat. To her many nieces and nephews, she was Aunt Pat. And to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nearly everyone else, she was Nana. Among all the roles she cherished, being Nana was perhaps the one closest to her heart.

Patricia was born on May 21, 1940, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Nolan and Hulda Faulkner. She grew up with her brother, Gary, and had a sister, Janet, who passed away before she was born. On December 21, 1958, she married the love of her life, John Michael “Mick” Pendergist, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their three children—Janet, Dennis, and April.

As a Navy wife, Patricia embraced adventure, traveling the world with her family, experiencing new cultures, and forming lifelong friendships. Through every move, every challenge, and every chapter of life, she created a warm and welcoming home. After Mick retired, they eventually in Texas, but no matter where she lived, New Mexico was always where her heart belonged.

Throughout her life, Patricia worked in various professions, including as a dental assistant, driver’s education teacher, cosmetologist, beauty school instructor, and cashier at military base exchanges. However, her most fulfilling role was that of a caregiver. She was the heart of her family—a second mother to many who walked through her door. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel at home, always ready to drop everything to care for someone in need, whether during times of illness, heartache, or simply when a listening ear was needed.

Family was the center of Patricia’s world, and she treasured every moment spent together. She planned and prepared for gatherings with the utmost love, often cooking for days in advance. Some of the most cherished traditions included the annual Christmas celebration featuring her beloved Mexican dishes, Easter egg hunts filled with countless money-stuffed eggs, Thanksgiving dinners where she and Rick engaged in their friendly dressing competition (she always won), and the much-anticipated Saturday morning breakfasts exclusively for her grandchildren.

Beyond her devotion to family, Patricia had many passions. She loved gardening, antique hunting, decorating and fixing up her house, watching home improvement shows, reading, and caring for animals—especially dogs and miniature donkeys. She also adored hummingbirds, shopping, and playing rummy, a game in which she was nearly unbeatable, thanks to her own special set of rules.

Patricia leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her greatest treasures—her children: Janet (husband Rick), Dennis (wife Terry), and April; her grandchildren: Traci (husband Mark), Rebecca (husband Brian), Amber (husband Chris), Tiffany, Austin (wife Samantha), Ashley (husband Cannon), and Charlie; her great-grandchildren: Austin, Rylin, Dylan, Daniel, Tristan, Dean, Corbin, Weston, Camden, and Cambryn; her great-great- granddaughter, Monroe; as well as countless nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, and cherished friends.

Though she is no longer physically present, her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is at the side of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family and friends will never be forgotten, and her legacy will live on in every life she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one or more of the charities Patricia cared about.