Patricia Byrne Douglas

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Patricia Byrne Douglas of Gaithersburg, MD, passed away after several months of poor health. Pat was born on May 4, 1936 and grew up in Great Neck, New York, graduating as co-valedictorian from Great Neck High School in 1953. Pat came of age during a time when women's roles in society were quickly changing. Although offered a scholarship to Smith College, she instead attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City and worked as an executive secretary before marrying her sweetheart, Burnie W. Douglas, in 1956. Pat and Burnie traveled around with the Navy, living in different parts of the country until settling in Baltimore in 1964.

Pat was a stay-at-home mother to three children for many years while she attended Towson State University at night. Pat juggled carpools and numerous volunteer activities during those years, with organizations such as Head Start and Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc (BNI). She was particularly proud of her involvement as part of a BNI "test couple" that resulted in a successful lawsuit combating racial discrimination in housing. After completing her bachelor's degree (summa cum laude) in 1981, Pat enrolled in evening law school at University of Maryland, graduating in 1985, and practiced law for a number of years afterward.

After retiring from law, Pat found much joy in pursuing her love of singing, performing frequently in local productions and at piano bars with her husband Burnie. She also very much enjoyed her grandchildren, and in 2006, made the move from Baltimore to Gaithersburg to be closer to them and more involved in their daily lives.

Pat became primary caregiver to Burnie after he developed dementia. After his passing, she moved to Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, where she made many friends and was heavily involved with chorus and theater.

Pat was an extremely kindhearted and thoughtful person, and was sharp as a tack until the very end of her life. She loved baking cookies for people, sending birthday cards, participating in and watching musical theater, and finding good deals. As her son-in-law said, there was no one better at "stretching a dollar" than Pat. She lived very frugally and was a lifelong coupon-clipper. She did this, however, so that she could afford to be extremely generous with her family and friends.

In addition to her husband Burnie, Pat was predeceased by a grandchild, Matthew Douglas. Surviving Pat are her children, Brian Gage Douglas and his wife, Charlotte, of Killeen, Texas; Craig Chatfield Douglas and his husband, Joseph Ridky, of Gaithersburg, MD; and Jennifer Douglas Vidas and her husband, JP, of Montgomery Village, MD; Pat's grandchildren: Justin, Samantha, and Daniel Vidas; and a sister, Bette Creighton, of Columbus, Ohio; as well as numerous friends and extended family.

During her final days, Pat said that if she had to do it all again, she would have been more confident in herself and worried less about what others thought. She also said that she didn't particularly want a memorial service; consistent with her practical nature, she was most interested in people using their time and money wisely. In life, she chose to spend her energy, time, and money on experiences, rather than on material possessions - so if you choose to memorialize her, her wishes were for you to do something practical that helps the world in small or large ways. For instance, if you witness hurtful or discriminatory behavior, speak up rather than remain silent. If you know a child that needs extra attention, read to them, or perhaps introduce them to live theater. If you have the means and inclination, the family suggests donations in her name to Asbury Foundation and Benevolent Fund (https://www.asbury.org/foundation/benevolent-care/), Bryn Mawr School (https://www.brynmawrschool.org/giving/ways-to-give), or a charity of your choice.

There is the possibility of a music-focused tribute at a later date.