January 30, 1939 – May 10, 2025
By Linda Elissalde
Patricia “Patty” Hagstrom was definitely one of a kind. Most of Bolivar Peninsula remember her as an internationally recognized artist. Many of us sport her first place winning designs on Mardi Gras and Crab Fest tee-shirts. Her art adorns local beach establishments and houses. For many years Patty headed up the decorating of Crystal Beach Fishing Club’s Mardi Gras float. They usually won first place. She took part in local and international art shows. Her creative panels “Reef Visitors” won Best of Show in the 2022 Galveston Art League fall juried show. Family and friends coveted her originally designed Christmas cards. Mrs. Hagstrom’s art work is displayed in homes, hotels and art galleries around the world.
An article about her stated that she was born in the mountains of Bradford, Pennsylvania. Her academic background began with a BS degree from Villa Maria College in Erie, PA and a BFA degree from Dominican College in Houston, Texas. She pursued her advanced arts studies with a Gonzaga University scholarship in Florence, Italy and obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Houston. Patty was a nun in the Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph for fifteen years. She later taught art in Houston School District.
Patty left Pennsylvania for Houston, Texas. Her brother came for a visit, and the two decided to attend a Christmas jazz concert. There she met bass player Gerow Richard Hagstrom. They married one year later. “Gerr” was a PHD agronomist who worked in international soil research while enjoying his music. They both loved scuba diving and discovering the hidden treasures of the deep. It was inevitable they would wind up in Crystal Beach, Texas. “Gerr” passed away before Patty lost their beautifully decorated home to Hurricane IKE. Her second beach house showcased her artistic creations. She loved to entertain family and friends.
Patty was active in the creative and competitive art world. She loved graphic design, combining techniques of silk screening, embossing and water color. One writer’s description of her work exclaimed, “ Her original silk-screens of sea life reflect the grace and wonder of the oceans she explores. Simultaneously, her fanciful interpretations of water birds and tropical florals make her work easily recognizable and unique.”
Patricia Hagstrom was a unique, talented lady, but I remember her mostly as my good friend Patty. We shared many happy times eating and drinking my Cadillac Bar Margaritas. I accompanied her to Orlando where she was showing her art. It was a most organized experience. We always celebrated our birthdays at Stingaree. I gifted her with a card for Dilliard’s, and she presented me with some special decorative present. We also shared our definite/divergent opinions on many a topic. She may have been small in stature, but she was strong mentally and physically. Patricia Hagstrom was not one to let ill health stop any of her endeavors.
Beloved niece Janette Smith and husband Charles have stayed close to her. They took care of Patty as her health faltered. Not an easy task with such a strong willed lady. One of Patty’s saddest moments was to give up her art selling spot at the 2025 Crab Fest. She passed away on May 10, and her death was announced at the Crab Festival. Patty died just how she planned, “With my boots on”.
Unique, talented, loving, strong and always true to her beliefs, she was indeed THE INCREDIBLE PATRICIA ELLEN POYER HAGSTROM!
