Patricia Brams

Dr. Patricia Craig Brams, a longtime Houston resident, passed away in the morning of October 1st, 2023. just short of her 95th birthday. Patricia was born on October 9, 1928, in New York City, to Jules Craig and Florence (Beck) Craig. After the untimely death of her father, as a teenager, Patricia and her mother moved to Miami, Florida. She was an exceptionally bright student and graduated high school at fifteen years of age.

Patricia attended college at the University of Wisconsin from which she earned a Bachelor’s degree. There, she met Eugene, a fellow student, who would become the love of her life and to whom she would be married for 69 years, before his passing in 2019. Together, with children in tow, they continued their education at the University of Florida, where Patricia studied English and earned a master’s degree.

After graduation, Patricia and her family embarked on a true adventure. In the late 1960s, the family moved to a small and isolated experiment station in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where Patrica and Eugene performed foreign aid work. on behalf of the Agency for International Development. Patricia was a tireless educator of Sierra Leonean students and known for her commitment to modernity and progress.

The family returned to the US, and in 1971 moved to Houston, Texas. Patricia continued her studies, and in 1979, at the age of 51, received her PhD in Education from the University of Houston. Her career included an appointment as an adjunct professor of education at Rice University and a curriculum development specialist for Houston Community College. Later, she opened her own consulting and educational company, and her work included providing seminars and training to educational institutions and corporations. Patricia received accolades as a passionate and inspirational educator with a tireless commitment to her students. Her career allowed her to travel extensively, including a memorable visit to Thailand.

Patricia also dedicated herself to community service. She worked with her husband (a decorated WW2 veteran) providing expert testimony as to the benefit to society in educating displaced immigrants in the 1980's. She also assisted CASA, a child advocate organization, in protecting the welfare of at-risk children. Patricia believed deeply that society and government had a duty to protect the needy among us.  Patricia was a curious person, who enjoyed discussing a wide range of subjects, from politics to popular culture to the arts. She loved to read and write poetry. She loved to laugh and enjoyed Saturday Night Live, the Marx Brothers, Masterpiece Theater, and an occasional risqué joke. She will be remembered for her love of family and her keen intellect. We will also remember her for her tenacity and perseverance, when confronted with the challenges of her life and during her long illness.

Patricia is survived by her loving children Jolie Brams, Ph.D., Craig Brams, J.D, (Sloane), Matthew Brams, M.D. (Alice Mao, M.D.), and Andrew Brams, Ph.D. (Melissa), as well as Evan, Lauren, Abigail, and Emily, her adoring grandchildren. She is predeceased by her faithful husband, Eugene Brams, Ph.D., and her loving parents.

The family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses, caretakers and respiratory therapists who cared for Patricia so capably during her illness. In particular, the family expresses its gratitude to Kathleen Ramirez, caretaker, and William Stripling, RT, for their dedicated and loving attention.

Private funeral services will be conducted by Rabbi Roy A. Walter at Emanu El Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or other remembrances, you honor Patricia’s memory with a donation to Court Appointed Special Advocates or your local public school.