Patricia Owens' Obituary
Patricia (Fant) Owens went home to be with her family who had gone before her on August 23, 2024. Patricia was predeceased by her mother, Bertha (Morgan) Fant, her father, Gordon Fant, her granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Owens and her husband Kenneth Owens whom she married March 18, 1961.
Pat is survived by her children, David Owens, Donald Owens and his wife Lisa, Darren Owens, Brandi McKenzie and her wife Linsey, Michael Owens, Debbie Owens and Nancy Schaffer. Her many Grandchildren, Stephen, Derek, Alec, Maxwell, Haley, Donald and Holly Little. Pat has 8 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sister, Lynnette and Denny Smith, and her family from Texas, plus her nephew Chris Owens and family and her goddaughter Diane Watkins.
Patricia was born in Washington, DC, on April 17, 1943. After graduating from Northwood HS, she worked for the Federal Trade Commission. Pat, Kenny and their growing family moved to her longed for paradise, a farm in Sabillasville, MD. There a lifelong dream of raising horses was realized. Pat and Kenny became foster parents to several children and were named Foster Parents of the Year. She owned her own school bus for many years serving the community.
For 23 years, Pat worked at the Frederick County Board of Education followed by 10 years at Transit Services of Frederick County. She served on the Bd of Directors for the Dept. of Social Services, Chair of the Dept. of Aging, plus many other boards. She was appointed by Governor Erlich to the Commission for Women. In 2020, she realized another dream when her book, “Where is Michael’s Brother”, was published.
Patricia founded Solutions and Caregivers of MD. Working with Rick Weldon, legislator at the time, they were instrumental in passing legislation, Priority of Relatives as Caregivers. She co-founded Grandfamilies of America assisting with Federal legislation to help relative caregivers care for their loved ones. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act was passed unanimously by the House and Senate and signed into law helping all relative caregivers across the country.
Pat never lost her love of animals, adopting many dogs thru the years and sponsoring a rescue horse.
She will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Frederick. Friday, August 30. Visitation from 10-12 with the funeral service at noon. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?