I’m Diane Owen, GeneO’s wife, and the luckiest Daughter-in-Law ever. Pat warmly welcomed me into her life from the moment I met her in July 1978 (46 years ago). Her whole-hearted graciousness and sunny nature brightened my life since then. When she became my cherished Mother-in-Law 41 years ago, she went out of her way to show her delight each and every time she saw me, and she continually let me know I was deeply valued and loved.

Pat was a magnificent listener. During one-on-one conversations, she focused intently on the other person, listened closely, and responded with enthusiasm, empathy and encouragement. She had a magical talent for aways making the other person she was talking with feel like a very important and worthy person. Every. Single. Time. The term I often used to describe Pat’s exceptional listening was “My amazing mother-in-law Pat ‘listened me to greatness’ – she made me feel truly heard, and I always felt inspired and uplifted after talking with her.” Throughout my career, I sang her praises to my colleagues, so often that they also tremendously appreciated her, and she became a role model for them too!

Shortly after each of my 3 kids were born, Pat came to my house for a week to help with meals, diapers, laundry and adult conversation. I looked forward to and savored that time with her. I enjoyed her company so much, and felt privileged to get her undivided attention during those sleep-deprived weeks! She was a wonderful confidant, and her insights and advice were spot-on. I will miss our hours of phone conversations too – I often chatted with her on the phone while driving home from work – our chats made the miles fly by pleasantly. We shared countless giggles and laughs over the miles (and years).

Pat was a living role model of someone who lived a life of genuine service. She was one of the “helpers” Mister Rogers told people to look for, demonstrating positive, caring actions during challenging times. He said: “Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping.” Pat was a natural helper – she was happiest when she was lifting other people up, with optimism and cheerfulness. When something needed to be done, she rolled up her sleeves and got to it, never asking for anything in return.

Pat never met a stranger she couldn’t quickly charm – I remember countless times when she made instant friends with anyone around her – in the checkout line at the grocery store, in the surrounding seats at football stadiums, in every kind of social situation. Everyone in my own branch of extended family absolutely adored Pat. She made each and every one of them feel very special. My sister Vicki summed it up beautifully when she sent me a meme that described Pat’s sunny nature perfectly:

“There are some people who have sun inside them. It’s hard to explain. Their presence just brightens your world. It’s not about beautiful smiles. They have an internal being that sheds light and feels like sun on your cool face. It’s a calm energy. And inner peace. Confidence and self. But most importantly it’s not wanting anything back. It is sun.”

That personifies Pat perfectly. Pat was sun. May her generous light continue to shine down on all of us, for generations to come. We profoundly love Pat and will miss her so very much, and we will forever tell fond stories to family and friends about how much joy and sunlight she brought to all our lives.

Mom, you were my life model for human kindness and you showered love on Dad and Kim and me. Additionally, you showed us how to act the same to my wife Diane and our extended families. Your loving spirit lives on as a gift to the countless lives you touched and will be passed down for generations. You will never be gone. You live on in us, in our hearts and souls—We will see you again ‘soon’, and our family will be together again, for all eternity. Your loving son forever, GeneO