Patricia Bowen Boswell, age 77, passed away surrounded by her family on March 17, 2024.

Patricia was born on June 17, 1946 in Albertville, AL to James Wordlaw Bowen and Ellie (Moore) Bowen. Patricia was 2 years old when her mother passed away, and much of her upbringing was by her big brothers, Bobby and Jackie. She graduated from Albertville High School in 1964. After high school, Patricia moved to Huntsville, AL where she worked for United Airlines, and later as a receptionist for IBM where she met her first husband, Jim Washington. Patricia and Jim married in 1967 and were blessed with two daughters, Rhonda and Rachel.

When her girls were in grade school, Patricia attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she studied Astronomy, Anthropology, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology for 3 years.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Boswell III, after 14 years of happy marriage. The Boswells became Patricia’s second family, including 2 bonus children, Heather and Andrew, sister-in-law (and longtime friend) Pat, brother-in-law Wray, grandchildren Gabby and Henry, and great-granddaughter Josephine.

As a loyal state employee for the UNC system, Patricia worked as an Administrative Assistant in various offices including the Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy & Bioinformatics, the Chancellor’s office, HR, UNC News, UNC Dermatology and UNC-TV.

Patricia's daughters, Rhonda and Rachel, followed her wonderful example by attending UNC-Chapel Hill and have both served the state of North Carolina for 20+ years.

Patricia was a devoted mother and grandmother. Patricia retired from the state after 25 years to care for daughter Rachel’s first child, Chloe Arabella Drury, when Rachel's maternity leave expired. Patricia again assisted with Rachel and Henry’s second child, Henry Almond Drury, Jr., during the workday.

Patricia was an avid reader of a variety of fiction and non-fiction novels. She valued the arts and music, and frequently brought her children and grandchildren to the NC Museum of Art. She was a lover of nature, and volunteered at the NC Botanical Gardens. In her Golden Years, she enjoyed a rich social life, sang in her church choir and with the Carolina Chorus, and regularly attended square dancing events. She engaged in team sports including tennis, pickleball, badminton, and acquired medals playing in the Senior Games. She pursued a lifestyle of enriching cultural experiences, including pottery lessons, calligraphy, modern dance, Tai Chi and knife-throwing lessons, to name a few.

Patricia loved to explore and travel. She and her oldest daughter Rhonda ventured to Trinidad for bird watching, and she later flew across the pond with her youngest Rachel to explore England and Scotland. She went on adventures with her friends to places like Canada, Ecuador, and Walt Disney World.

During the pandemic of 2020, Patricia and companion Christopher Ridley of Fearrington Village enjoyed activities such as sight-seeing and card games. Patricia further pursued her love of the arts by taking piano lessons and creating elegant portraits with pastels. Following her stroke in late 2020, Patricia moved to Holly Springs where she was cared for by Rachel and Henry Drury in their home. Although Vascular Dementia impacted Patricia’s ability to maintain connections with close friends and family, her last few years were spent in the loving company of Christopher and immediate family.

Her life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children; Rhonda of Chapel Hill, NC, Rachel & spouse Henry of Holly Springs, NC; bonus children Heather of Virginia, Andrew & spouse Wendy of Virginia; grandchildren Chloe and Henry; bonus grandchildren Gabby and Henry; great grand-daughter Josephine; sister-in-law Pat Boswell & spouse Glenn, brother-in law Wray & spouse Marie; niece Barbara Bowen and nephews Mike, Greg and Barry Bowen, and a host of devoted loved ones and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, April 28th at Renaissance Funeral Home. Friends and family are welcome to a gathering with refreshments immediately after the service. Please consider planting a tree in Patricia’s honor or donating to Healthy Aging NC, where Patricia was a member.