Patricia Elaine "Patty" Scibuola

April 7, 1943 – September 15, 2026

Patricia Elaine “Patty” Scibuola, née Dutton, passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 83, leaving behind a lifetime of love, friendship, adventure, and lessons that will continue through generations of her family.

Patty was born on April 7, 1943, in Vallejo, California, and grew up in San Francisco. She went on to build a career in finance, but to those who knew and loved her, Patty was also a teacher in every sense of the word. Her classroom was life, and some of the most important lessons she taught had nothing to do with books.

She taught her children and grandchildren to never make excuses, to always try their best, to give when they could, to never lie, and above all, to treat others the way they themselves would want to be treated. She taught respect, character, responsibility, and perseverance.

Quitting simply wasn’t something Patty accepted.

She encouraged those she loved to strive for greatness, but she never demanded perfection. Most importantly, she never expected anything from another person that she wasn’t willing to expect from herself. Patty didn’t merely tell people how they should live—she tried to live by those same standards herself.

Patty was also a fiercely loyal friend. Some of the friendships she treasured lasted more than 70 years, a remarkable testament to the way she loved and valued the people in her life. These weren’t simply friends; they became sisters. Together they laughed, traveled, played cards, shared adventures, supported one another through life’s joys and sorrows, and accumulated a lifetime of memories and stories that could never fit within the pages of an obituary.

And Patty loved an adventure.

She traveled the world, sometimes alongside her husband, Fred, and sometimes alongside those dear friends who had become family. She enjoyed Bunco, cribbage, Mahjong, Canasta and bridge, and she loved Houston Restaurant Weeks. Whether she was traveling somewhere new, sitting around a table playing cards, sharing a meal, or simply spending time with the people she loved, Patty believed life was something to participate in, not simply watch go by.

At the center of that life was her family.

Patty is survived by her beloved husband, Fred Scibuola. This November 5 would have marked their 65th wedding anniversary—nearly sixty-five years of marriage and a lifetime built together.

She is also survived by her children, Bobby and his wife Barbara, Jeff, and Dorothy and her husband Ray; her five grandchildren, Danielle, Jeff Jr., Tyler, Christian and Victoria; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Aliza; her brother, Rick; and the many extended family members and lifelong friends who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and by her brother.

Patty leaves behind far more than the names of those who survive her. She leaves behind the standards by which she lived and the lessons she spent a lifetime teaching:

Always try your best.

Never make excuses.

Tell the truth.

Give when you can.

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

And never quit.

Those lessons are now part of her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and the many others whose lives she touched.

Patty was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, a mentor, and a friend. She was a woman who loved deeply, expected much, gave generously, traveled far, laughed with friends who had known her for nearly a lifetime, and encouraged the people around her to become the very best versions of themselves.

Her family and friends will miss her beyond measure. But perhaps the greatest tribute to Patty will not be found in the words written about her after her passing. It will be found in the way those who loved her continue to live—with character, honesty, generosity, perseverance, and the determination to always try their best.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Patty’s Life will be held in the early spring of 2027 at Apollo’s Pals Sanctuary, a place that held a very special place in her heart and where she loved spending time. Family and friends will gather there to remember Patty, share memories, and celebrate the remarkable life she lived. Details will be announced at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, Patty’s family asks that memorial donations be made in her honor to Apollo’s Pals Sanctuary Rehabilitation & Adoption Inc.

Patty cared deeply for the animals who found safety, love, and a second chance at the sanctuary, and she supported the work being done for them. A donation made in her memory will help that work continue and serve as a lasting tribute to her compassion for the animals who needed it most.

Memorial donations may be made by Zelle to:

[email protected]

Donations by check may be made payable to:

Apollo’s Pals Sanctuary Rehabilitation & Adoption Inc.

15139 McRae Lake

Conroe, TX 77303