I feel fortunate that over the course of my life, I have had several wonderful role models. Patricia “Pat” Massad was a Fort Worth native with natural beauty, charm, wit and an exquisite fashion sense – and she was my personal icon for decades.
Pat had a heartfelt devotion to many charities, and in fact, the first time I saw her she was modeling at a charity fashion show in the 1980’s. I was working behind the scenes and she was the absolute star of the show! Even then, it was easy to see how Pat gave the clothes she wore her own personal style.
Our first meeting took place in October of 1993, when she and Ann Quinn approached Haltom’s about being the Jewel Charity Ball jeweler for the 1994-95 season. As jeweler chairwoman, Pat worked delightfully and tirelessly to make our JCB year “The Time of Our Lives.”
Her attention to every detail – whether planning a dinner at home or a charity ball – always made for a perfect evening. She was gracious in every sense, spending as much time as needed to make every piece of correspondence perfect. I can still remember the way she carefully chose and articulated her words, both in speaking and in her notes.
And did I mention her style? In 1994, we were together quite a bit. (Pat is in the photo above with Jack.) She wore her hair parted down the middle, with a strong brow, a big smile, the perfect outfit and a slender pale manicure. Her style was as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. She eschewed overdone fashion statement pieces, and I always felt she wore her clothes - they didn’t wear her.
Pat died last month, but she will forever live in my memory as my gracious and stylish role model. I am forever grateful for her mentorship and her friendship.
