Patricia Ann Tamayo Moreno graduated from Commonwealth College of Sciences in 1980 and began her apprenticeship with Darling Mouser Funeral Home in her hometown of Brownsville, Texas. She completed her apprenticeship at Heights Funeral Home in Houston and came to work for the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in 1981. She married another graduate of Commonwealth College of Sciences, well-known funeral director Jesse B. Moreno.  Before his death, Jesse served as the marshal during Commonwealth Institute commencement ceremonies for several years.