Patricia Lynn Francis

Patricia Lynn Francis of Columbia passed away on September 27, 2011 in her sleep at her home in Beaverbrook. She is survived by her husband Raymond Francis, her daughters, Alyssa Fenix (and wife Suzanne) and Monica Simonsen (and husband Michael), her grandchildren Dane and Stanley Simonsen, her brother-in-law David Francis, and her father Earl Lowe.

Pat was raised in Glen Burnie, attended the University of Maryland, and lived in Baltimore and New York City before settling down here in Columbia. A retired vice president of human resources and finances, she was a consummate professional and a mentor to many. She and Ray were married for 35 years and raised their family in Columbia.

After they retired, Pat and Ray spent much of their time enjoying the view from Grace Creek on the Eastern Shore, where Pat became an avid birdwatcher. The sights and sounds of the osprey, purple martins, blue herons, and other wildlife that came to visit always made her smile. But Pat was truly at her happiest sitting on the deck, sharing a hot sup of tea with family and friends, and looking out over the water as her grandchildren played in the yard. She lived for those simple pleasures.

Family and friends will celebrate her life at a memorial and reception held in the outdoor pavilion at Clyde's in Columbia (10221 Wincopin Circle) on Saturday, October 1st from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pat Francis Memorial Fund c/o the Columbia Foundation; 10630 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Century Plaza, Suite 315, Columbia, MD 21044.