Official Obituary of
Patricia Lynn (Flannery) Waterman
November 19, 1959 ~ February 11, 2026 (age 66) 66 Years Old
Patricia Waterman Obituary
Patricia "Patti" Lynn (Flannery) Waterman
November 19, 1959 - February 11, 2026
Patricia "Patti" Lynn (Flannery) Waterman, 66, passed away on February 11, 2026.
At age 17, Patti survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left her paraplegic, yet she refused to let adversity define her life. She graduated from Elmhurst College and became a beloved teacher in Texas and New Mexico. She was nominated to Who's Who Among America's Teachers, named Teacher of the Year in her district, and was interviewed by Barbara Walters for her inspiring story of resilience and hope.
A devoted member of Hoffman Town Church, Patti lived her faith through service to others, especially children. She was an avid painter, played guitar throughout her life, and generously supported local charities.
She is survived by her husband, David Waterman; her son, Xander Cordova; her grandchildren, Alex, Delilah, and Gene; her siblings, Joe and Shannon Flannery; sister-in-law Brenda Flannery; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Francesca "Kika"; her parents, Joe Flannery and Janice Straugh; her sisters, Colleen Kastning and Beverly Perez; her late husband, David VanderHee; and her former husband, Frank Cordova.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. at RiversEdge Baptist Church, 2400 Monterry Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Fatherless or Joy Junction Homeless Shelter.
November 19, 1959 - February 11, 2026
Patricia "Patti" Lynn (Flannery) Waterman, 66, passed away on February 11, 2026.
At age 17, Patti survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left her paraplegic, yet she refused to let adversity define her life. She graduated from Elmhurst College and became a beloved teacher in Texas and New Mexico. She was nominated to Who's Who Among America's Teachers, named Teacher of the Year in her district, and was interviewed by Barbara Walters for her inspiring story of resilience and hope.
A devoted member of Hoffman Town Church, Patti lived her faith through service to others, especially children. She was an avid painter, played guitar throughout her life, and generously supported local charities.
She is survived by her husband, David Waterman; her son, Xander Cordova; her grandchildren, Alex, Delilah, and Gene; her siblings, Joe and Shannon Flannery; sister-in-law Brenda Flannery; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Francesca "Kika"; her parents, Joe Flannery and Janice Straugh; her sisters, Colleen Kastning and Beverly Perez; her late husband, David VanderHee; and her former husband, Frank Cordova.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. at RiversEdge Baptist Church, 2400 Monterry Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Fatherless or Joy Junction Homeless Shelter.
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