Patricia A. Owens
Monday, March 17, 1941
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Age:
83 years old
Patricia A. Owens
Patricia Ann Owens, 83, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Rochester, Minnesota surrounded by her loving family and pups.
Patricia was born March 17, 1941 to Willard and Eugenia (Trudeau) Guerard in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She grew up on the family farm in East Grand Forks, Minnesota and was proud to call herself a “farm girl”. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School.
On August 7, 1958, she married the love of her life, Bobby Joe Owens at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. They raised three children together.
Pat held various positions in Grand Forks City Hall, retiring as mayor in 2001. Following her retirement, she proudly served as the Ambassador of Hope for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). One of her greatest joys in life was helping others. She touched many lives and those who knew her knew she had a spine of steel and a heart of gold.
Pat and Bobby’s dream of moving south became reality when they moved to Ocala, Florida. For over twenty years, they cherished their time together while enjoying the sunshine, their pups, and frequent visits from family and friends.
Left to miss her are her children, Barry Owens of Ocala, FL, Robin (Robert) Flurer of Bismarck, ND, and Pam (Ken) Roebuck of Rochester, MN; six grandchildren, Zachary (Chelsea) Flurer, Andrew (Rachel) Flurer, Jenna (Henry) Macken, Katey (Michael) Bethune, Abbie (Justin LaBare) Roebuck, and Isabelle Owens; and eleven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bobby; her parents; two sisters and one brother.
A family graveside service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at a later date. Blessed be her memory.
For her love of animals, memorials may be sent to the Humane Society of Grand Forks, ND.
Condolences
The family of Patricia A. Owens has received the following condolences.
Dear Barry, Pam & Robin-
You kids know how much we cherished your Mom and Dad- they were steadfast friends and valuable co-workers during my time as a City Council Member and Mayor- 14 years I had the honor of working with Pat and Bobby- tremendous, awesome people who gave their all for Grand Forks.
But the greatest gift Pat and Bobby gave to this world was/is you three- God Bless you!!
Our love and respect, from the entire Wessman family. May our Lord bless each of you and your families.
Bud & Lorraine Wessman
A true friend and always there for you!
She "fought the good fight, she stayed the course, and she kept the faith" throughout her life!
We were honored to support her efforts during the 1997 Grand Forks Flood.
Each of us is a better person for having known Pat in our life.
Earl and Donna Beal
The passing of a lovely lady. I got to know her personally when she became the Mayor of Grand Forks. She was our strength and guidance thru the 1997 Red River flood. Godrest her soul.
The passing of a lovely lady. I got to know her personally when she became the Mayor of Grand Forks. She was our strength and guidance thru the 1997 Red River flood. Godrest her soul.
Pam and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your beautiful mother’s passing. My heart breaks for you. Even though it’s been many years ago now, I remember how she treated me and all the.neighborhood kids on So 23rd Street like her own. Just thinking of her beautiful smile and hug's warm my heart. She was a remarkable woman and leader for the Grand Forks community, which will never be forgotten. Peace and love to you all at this time.
Dear Robin & Pam & family,
It is with precious memories and sincere sympathy that we send our thoughts and prayers to you all. Pat was a most incredible lady. All that she did for our community during the flood was incredible and admirable. One of the local newscasters described her as a “diminutive powerhouse.” She was petite, but her great sense of morality and caring guided her to make wise decisions as our community’s mayor. God bless the memories of Pat Owens!
Annella and Steve Winger
I am so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. We served on a few Chamber of Commerce committees together in Grand Forks back in the day. She was someone who gave her all and truly cared about the people in our community. I will never forget her kindness and compassion. My sympathy to her beloved family.
Dear Robin and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She will always have a place in ND history as a strong leader. She was so welcoming to Brian on his Florida trip with Drew. Such a sweet lady. Know we are thinking of you and we care.
Always,
Joe and Nancy Woodmansee
This is such sad news to hear. Pat and Bobby were the first friends we made when moving to SummerGlen 20-years ago. We hated to see Pat move, but knew we could look forward to seeing her when she would come to visit Barry. Such a warm and friendly spirit, she was always gracious with an open heart. Pat's loving energy and caring heart will always be missed. Goodbye, our friend ...
Barry and family - Condolences during this difficult time. I have good memories of your mom when we were all in GF.
Dear Robin, Pam and Barry,
My condolences for the loss of your mom. While I hadn't seen Pat in many years, I have very fond memories of growing up next door to your family on South 23rd Street. Many a time I would sleep overnight and sometimes in the morning Pat would make scrambled eggs. As I was finishing my helping she would come with the frying pan asking if I would like more and before I could answer yes or no, she had already start dishing more onto my plate!
Another fond memory is when I graduated high school and had written a thank you note to Pat. In my note I had written some heartfelt things about how I felt about her and the Owen's family and saying how I thought of her as a second Mom. Years later she told how much she treasured that thank you note and that she kept it in her jewelry box! That made me feel so special. But that's who Pat was...a very special person doing special and generous things for people. My thoughts are with you, Robin, Pam and Barry.
Alan
Dear Pam and family,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of your very special mom and sending you my sympathy. She was a great mom, grandmother, daughter, sister and a true leader in our community.
I remember the gentle words of wisdom she would give us when we were young teens. I remember her advice to us was always to be aware of the ways that we could approach a situation with kindness and compassion. Even as young girls, we knew she was one of the good ones and I often took her words to heart, and I believe that on different levels, she made people want to be a better person. You were so blessed to have her as your mom. I hope your great memories of her are with you now as you say goodbye to one heck of a lady!! Hugs to all. Kelly
Barry & families, we would like to extend our condolences on the death of Pat . What an incredible person who was much larger in life than her small stature would have 1 believe. I always enjoyed stopping by your house & getting in a few minutes of conversation w/Pat. "It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember." —Unknown.
Dear Pam and all of Pat’s family, I am sending my thoughts and prayers to you all . Your mom was an amazing lady and so caring. Harriet was a good friend of mine and she was so proud of her sister and talked so highly of her. Your mom was one special lady…
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. Your dad and mom were such good friends with my parents, Tom & Juanita Hagness. I can remember filling in for your mom at City Hall and also the great fun we had getting to shop the Vanity sales held at the Civic auditorium before it was open to the public. She was so supportive to me after my mom passed away and I only have beautiful memories with her. May your memories offer you comfort and peace.
Pam, Ken & Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Love to you all. Colleen
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Patricia. Losing someone so dearly loved is such a deep void, we pray that God bestows peace upon each of you going forward. I picture her in heaven, pain-free & being greeted by all her loved ones & beloved pets in heaven.
Rest in peace Mrs.Pat.We going to miss you.My condolence to the family.Our Lord Jesus give you strenght.Very nice and good person 🙏❤️
Dear Robin, Pam, Barry and families,
John and I were so saddened to learn of your mom’s passing. What a gem of a woman she was!
I met her on the first morning of my working at City Hall. She was always so nice to me. The 37 years John spent at City Hall, along side your mom for most of those years, they sure went through it all, didn’t they? The Flood of 1997 was so intense but they worked side by side along with others, to bring the City of Grand Forks back to its’ glory!!
Please know that we are thinking and praying for you all during this time. God bless the memory of your mom and your dad too. They were the best!
Rest in peace Mrs.Pat.We going to miss you.My condolence to the family.Our Lord Jesus give you strenght.Very nice and good person 🙏❤️
Lovely lady and a lovely family. She will be missed!
Pam, Ken and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your precious Mom and Grandmother. Know we are thinking of you and sending love and prayers your way.