Patti (Pat) McGee Perrin, born May 3, 1931, departed this earth on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the age of 95. She loved life—and she loved a good lie.

Born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, Pat enjoyed a thrilling childhood in the circus, transitioning from trapeze artist to fiery motorcycle stunts before her 18th birthday. After her induction into the National Circus Hall of Fame as Motor Mamacita, she retired to the brackish shores of South Texas, where she authored several novels on surviving as an outdoor sportsman’s wife and became the first woman over 80 to call a professional baseball game—from her couch.

Okay, here’s the truth:

Pat Perrin lived each day of her 95 years loving her family, her friends, her dogs, and her Astros. A writer, wordsmith, and proud lexophile, she flexed her creative muscle daily through poems, cards, jokes and quick-witted conversation. As a grandmother who first was to be nicknamed “Mother Goose,” she filled hearts and minds with stories, rhymes and comfort as “MeMaw” instead.

A curator of beauty, she expertly grew roses, children, and generations of Astros fans with equal care as the tough husk of our “p-patch,” the one who kept us gathered, sheltered, and whole.

Pat appreciated both the sanctity of a schedule (hamburgers, aka Hockey Pucks, on Saturdays), and the whimsy of life’s surprises. She loved the Houston Post and Chronicle, comics, anything by Dave Barry and Erma Bombeck, her Irish heritage, and never met a strawberry shortcake she didn’t devour. She could revel in sharing an ornery joke as quickly as she insisted others elevate the conversation depending on the company. She was equal parts Anne of Green Gables and Days of our Lives. And we loved her for it.

She was the steadfast supporter, sidekick, and co-conspirator of her husband’s big ideas, creating a successful family and several businesses throughout their four decades in Houston. Her working life began as a proofreader for the Wetumka Gazette and came full circle in service to others as a hospital volunteer, a role she devoted herself to for more than 25 years. To those who knew and loved her best, she was simply the Queen B.

Her final reflection: “I wish I could do it all again.” Her instructions for us: “Keep laughing, Kids.”

Pat was a precocious daughter, sister, and niece; a patient and beloved wife; a wise and precious mother; and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Paula Steinmetz (Michael) and Pam Schloeder, both of Tulsa; her sons, Phil Perrin and Patrick Perrin (Debbie), of Houston; her grandchildren, Krista Childress (Tim), Marci Falvey (Joe), Bryan Jackson (Robbi), Patricia Perrin, and Mark Perrin (Sofia); and her great-grandchildren Lily Childress, Lincoln Childress, Rowan Jackson, Barrett Jackson, and Baby Perrin on the way. She is also survived by aunt and Skip-Bo rival Beverly Morris, sister-in-law, Shirley McGee Henry, and a throng of nephews, cousins, and friends who are like family.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Paul Perrin, parents Stonewall Jackson McGee and Pauline McGee Petty, brother Jack McGee, and her treasured dogs, who she couldn’t wait to see: Tigger, Ginger, Pepper, Pumpkin, Phronsie, Phrensie, Princess, Pinocchio, Goldie, Caesar, and Pico.

She was loved endlessly and will be missed beyond measure. That’s no lie.

See, it was a circus after all.

To all the amazing individuals in Tulsa who have provided skilled, compassionate, and loving care to Pat over the years – please know our family truly believes you are God’s angels on earth. You treated our Mom/MeMaw as if she was your own and through her you blessed each of us. Special thanks to Charlotte Donaldson and Dunel Calixte of Trinity Woods, and Miller Hospice for her care and support throughout this journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Tulsa Library Trust (TulsaLibraryTrust.org/donate) and Oklahoma Animal Alliance (AnimalAllianceOK.org).

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com