Pamela “Pam” Hazleton Drastata
Pamela Hazleton Drastata, 85, entered into eternal life on August 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Pam was born on May 1, 1941, in Ville Platte, Louisiana to Cecil and Mabel Hazleton. Her parents, and she and her sister Cassie, moved to Port Arthur, Texas, where she built a life centered on faith, family, education, and lifelong friendships.
Education was one of Pam’s greatest callings. She graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in Port Arthur and received her degree in education from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. She taught in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston before teaching in the Clear Creek and Galena Park Independent School Districts. She later launched and became the first principal of the preschool programs at both St. Bernadette and St. Clare Catholic Churches in Clear Lake City. Long after her retirement, former students and parents continued to share stories of the lasting difference she made in their lives, a testament to the compassion and dedication she brought to her work each day.
A lifelong Catholic, Pam was a devoted member of St. Bernadette parish and found great joy and strength in her relationship with God. Her faith sustained her throughout her life and remained a source of peace and comfort.
Fifty-nine years ago, Pam married the love of her life, William (Bill) Drastata. Together they built a marriage grounded in faith, friendship, and unconditional love. They were blessed with two daughters and three grandchildren, and found their greatest joy in raising their family, taking vacations together, celebrating holidays, and creating lifelong memories. Pam cherished her role as “Mom” and “Gram.”
Pam found joy in life’s simple blessings. She treasured time spent with family and friends, whether gathered around the table, sharing stories, or simply enjoying one another’s company. She loved reading, traveling, bible studies, and cooking, and found peace in the beauty of God’s creation, especially in the birds that visited her yard.
Those who knew Pam will remember her for her genuine kindness and welcoming spirit. She nurtured lifelong friendships and invested deeply in the people God placed in her life. Her warmth and her caring heart touched countless lives.
Pam is survived by her husband, Bill Drastata; her daughters, Nancy Glaze (and husband Mark) and Donna Drastata; her grandchildren, Anna Drastata, Christopher Glaze, and Caroline Glaze; her sister, Cassie Haymaker; her sister-in-law, Anita Drastata; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Pam will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. While her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and look forward to the day they are reunited with her.
Visitation and a Funeral Mass celebrating Pam’s life will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062, on Friday, August 14. The Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. There will be a reception at the church following the Mass at the adjacent Parish Life Center, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery. All are welcome!
When I remember my dear friend Pam, I think of her gentleness with little children, her faithfulness even in the darkest moments, and her incredible wisdom. She had a pure heart and she was such a good friend.
She will be missed! Love you, Pam!
Bill and Family,
I loved Pam. I still remember the many days spent playing at your house when we were kids – dress up, games, playing outside, and cooking. I loved running into Pam when I became an adult – I remember seeing her at church, at the theatre, and occasionally at a restaurant. I will never forget when I became the principal of Greene Elementary – she wrote me a note sharing how proud she was of me and that the Greene Cougars held a special place in her heart. She was truly a gem. I am praying for you all as you navigate this tremendous loss.
Pam was my neighbor in Clear Lake City for 21 years. I attended Bible Study in her home and we had many wonderful visits during those years. She had a great sense of humor and we laughed a lot during those visits. I recently visited her
when I was in Houston and it was a very special time. I am sorry for the family and extend our deepest condolences from Ray and I. She will be missed but know that she is in heaven now with her Savior.
Pam came into my life when I needed an angel and a good friend. People seem to come into your life just when you need them and that was what Pam was to me. She always had wise and loving advice. Her strong faith was the first thing I will always remember about her. Teaching with her at St. Clair’s school was a real joy. I will always remember her warm smile and her laugh. I will miss you dear friend. You are in His hands now.
Bob and I send our love to Bill and family.
I taught at the same school as Pam and her daughter, Donna. Pam was so kind and had a great laugh. What a blessing for her family to have been loved and raised by a strong Jesus loving lady. It’s never easy to lose your mom. I’m praying for those left behind. Praise God you know where she is and that you will be reunited one day.
I met Pam when she was the Director of of St Bernadette’s Pre -School and a member of St Bernadette’s Catholic Church ~ Fr Franklin Tasker said he had someone he wanted me to meet and it was Pam and he was 100 % CORRECT ~ she was AMAZING she had a SMILE and FANTASTIC HUMOR which could light up the darkest room and she was that SOMEONE who made you laugh ~ she even asked me to bring our youngest child a new born to school so she could be BABY Jesus in the HOLY FAMILY / Christmas Program I said but she’s a little girl and Pam said ~ BUT she’s a BEAUTIFUL BABY ❗️ And that little baby girl soon attended St Bernadette’s Pre -School . LOVE YOU Ms Drastata Pam you are LOVED ~ RIP 🥰PRAY FOR US 🙏🏻THE ADLER FAMILY
Mrs. Drastata was my second grade teacher at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic school in Texas City in 1975. She made such an impact on me and remained my favorite teacher through all my years of going to school. I was so blessed to have her attend my wedding in 1997. I will forever be grateful for her dedication to education, especially Catholic education.
With sympathy and prayers,
Ellen Mackey Chuoke
I met Pam when I worked at St. Bernadette church in the mid-1980’s. She lived in and exuded kindness, compassion, and wisdom every time I talked with her. She had a ready smile and a fantastic sense of humor. She was a gift to all who knew her. I often saw her at CLHS plays or at the grocery store, and we would always stop and talk for a while. She had a beautiful heart and soul and she loved her family and friends, and shared a close relationship with God. Her light still shines brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Pam.
Pam was such a beautiful presence—full of love, life, and light—and she will be deeply missed. I have so many fond memories of her, especially her warmth, kindness, and incredible generosity. She had a way of making people feel loved and cared for, and I know those memories will remain a comfort in the days ahead.
Lisa and I are thinking of all of you and sending our love, heartfelt prayers, and deepest sympathy. We understand how difficult this loss is. Our mom passed away this past December, and our dad passed away almost three years ago, so we know how deeply the loss of a parent is felt.
May the many wonderful memories of Pam, and the love she shared with all of you, bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. She was truly special and will be remembered with so much love.
I taught with Pam at Greene Elementary. She was an excellent teacher – kind, but
A gentle disciplinarian. She did everything with love. I am better fir having known Oam.
I love reading her obituary and now I understand even better how she had her wonderful faith filled daughter Donna! Thank you God for her life well lived
Miss Patsy