In Gratitude

Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty, as husband and wife, combined their commitment to each other to become leaders in commerce and caring.

Patrick Haggerty had a rare gift from boyhood, the gift of creativity.  From building a prize-winning radio at a young age to helping build one of the greatest enterprises in America – Texas Instruments – he used that creativity to enhance the nation’s productivity and to advance the interests of society.  In doing so, he made it possible for the Haggerty family to become one of the great philanthropic families in the Dallas area and elsewhere in the nation.

Bea Haggerty maintained the home and volunteered for the betterment of the community.  A social worker, both by training and at heart, she brought her considerable talents to bear in addressing society’s needs in many ways, including health and human services.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) has been the fortunate beneficiary of strong support by the Haggertys.  Through an intergenerational commitment, for over three decades VNA has benefited from the stewardship of Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty and their children, Sheila Haggerty Turner, Kathleen Haggerty, Patrick Haggerty, Jr., Teresa Haggerty Parravano, and Michael Haggerty, through their volunteerism, resources and wisdom. 

Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty have shown that faith is perfected by good works that live on and give faith to others.  Thus, faith is everlasting.  They have shown that hope shines as eternal as the returning morning light.  Thus, hope is everlasting.  They have shown that charity enables us to live on through our community, and that both the giver and the receiver are ennobled and enriched by charitable acts that are multiplied in infinite ways unknown.  Thus, charity is everlasting. 

As the Haggerty family has provided sustenance to VNA, so VNA, through them and all its supporters, will provide physical and spiritual sustenance through these facilities.  Just as this building rests upon a strong foundation, so faith, hope and charity are the strong foundation of the good works of Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty. 

Good works, and through them their authors, will live forever.

Michael Haggerty, Teresa Haggerty Parravano, Patrick Haggerty Jr., Kathleen Haggerty, Sheila Haggerty Turner