Patricia Mccarren Luna

Patricia McCarren Luna of Lufkin, Texas passed away with her family by her side on November 11, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

Services will be held Monday, December 2, 2024 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 1611 Feagin Drive, Lufkin, with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m.; Visitation of family and friends at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass 11:00 a.m. with the Fr. Joby Thomas officiating. Interment of cremains will be at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas after the Mass. All are invited to join the family for lunch at the Immaculate Conception parish hall after the burial.

Mrs. Luna was born in New York City on August 18, 1931. Soon after birth, she was placed in the care of Frank J. McCarren and Hanna (Lynch) McCarren who later adopted her. Pat was a devout, Irish “cradle” Catholic and a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life.

In 1936, the family moved to the beach town of Keansburg, New Jersey where Pat was raised, enjoying “the sand between her toes”. She was adventurous, competing on a Roller Derby Circuit with her summer family, the Mataya sisters from the City. Pat had a strong work ethic. At 13, she was hired by a magician on the Boardwalk of the Jersey Shore to be “sawed in half” until her mother “got wind of it”. Throughout her life, she worked in various public service roles, starting as a waitress in her early years, then at Safeway Grocery Store and Southland Distribution Center, and later in retail sales at Belk and Dillard's department stores. In 1952, on the job at the Post Exchange at Fort Monmouth Army Base, she met a soldier. Sammy Luna, who became the love of her life for 62 years. The next year, Sammy took her to live with his family in Nacogdoches, Texas while completing his duty in Panama. She was welcomed with open arms in Texas. Pat became a loving mother to 4 children whom she showered with unconditional love, while working and having an open-door policy with their friends. She put her entire self into making great memories with them, especially at Christmas and Easter.

In 1972, a move to Orlando, Florida to be closer to her family began a new era of her life, making new friends with the Red Hatters and meeting Mickey Mouse. In 1975, on her birthday, with the arrival of her first grandchild, she was dubbed “Gran”. She marveled in this role, as 14 more grandchildren arrived. She was there for them without fail, always with a smile, silly face, or funky dance move. She was known for cooking her famous spaghetti and braving the crowds at Disney World with each of her grandkids to experience the magic! Her love of Disney and Ireland was evident when she sang the Mickey Mouse song in a pub on a visit to Ireland.

In 2016, she moved to Lufkin to PineCrest Retirement Community, in her new role as a widow. With the love and support she received there; she thrived. She became the “Welcome Wagon hostess”; Resident Elf and Easter Bunny which reflected her personality. She loved board games, especially Mexican Train and Rummikub, and enjoyed reading and socializing. Pat had the gift of being able to multiply joy and show love to everyone she met, while being her true self.

Although sometimes being embarrassed by her wit, she will be greatly missed by her daughters, Judy Agee (Bud, Atlanta, Georgia), Sharon Blacklock (David, Waco, Texas), and Gail Nichols (George, Lufkin, Texas); her son, Terry Luna (Sue, Tallahassee, Florida); 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and more on the way; 1 great-great-grandchild; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sammy Luna; grandson, Matthew Tyler Blacklock; and son-in-law, Joe Figlia.

Pat’s joy in life, love of God, wit and wisdom, love of Christmas, and love of family is her legacy. We will miss our Mom, Gran, Granna, Granna Banana!

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Brian Nichols, Jack Moore, Scott Nichols, Nora Figlia, Ciara Luna, J.D. Blacklock, Candace Sherman, and Jake Luna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church Building Fund, 1611 Feagin Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904 or The Joseph House, P.O. Box 150554, Lufkin, Texas 75915.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of The Joseph House; her dedicated sitter and new friend, Alice Parise, and PineCrest Retirement Community for the love and support extended to our mom!

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.