From Aunt Jenny
2021-22

December 2, 2021
Stories about Aunt Pat

Aunt Pat

Pat Owen – Mom’s (Margaret Mae Penn Elam) sister born 1/20/1926
Patsy Thompson Penn Owen married to Buzzie (MV Owen) a little before Mom and Dad (Margaret and David) got married so about 1948.

They lived in Dayton, Ohio (last address was 1975 Burnham Lane, Dayton) until they moved to Florida when I was 16, so 53 years ago. Along with Aunt Bet (Betsy Burton Penn Reichardt), I helped Pat and Buzzie move to Florida, both their Danish Christmas plate business called The Viking Import House and their home. Bet loved to lie by the swimming pool after a hard day’s work so I remember the pool.

 Pat and Buzzie and Bet and Ernie (they were later divorced) and others played music. Pat played the accordion and Buzzie played an electric mandolin. I loved music so that was special time. Pat loved to feed the animals from the woods on her back patio. She always said to me, “Take in the beauty of nature and you will become beautiful.”

 I was Aunt Pat’s maid before she moved to Florida. She was the most meticulous housekeeper I ever knew. If there were even a streak on the tile in the bathroom, I had to do it over. I love it that she taught me how to clean house (even if I don’t keep house like she did).

 Pat and Buzzie had a boat built in Norway and from 1964-66, they sailed it across the ocean. Amazing! Not long after that is when they wanted to move to Ft. Lauderdale so they could sail their boat, called the Viking.

 They moved  – 2100 So Ocean Drive, Apt 17L, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

An amazing condo that looks over the harbor and ocean.

 After Buzzie died (he was a lot older than Pat), she started a foundation called Second Chance Society to benefit people who are homeless. That continues. Pat worked there until the pandemic.

 Last week I went to Ft Lauderdale for Thanksgiving so I could see my aunt. I had not seen her in a long time. I was so glad to see her and sad too.

Jenny and Pat visit Thanksgiving week, 2021

View from Sky Harbor East

Ft Lauderdale harbor at night from Pats condo

View from Pat’s condo

The Viking

Young Aunt Pat Owen

Jenny and Aunt Pat at Thanksgiving dinner, 2021

Family Stories for Nieces and Nephews January 2022 passing the torch

January’s story was published in “Passing the Torch” an edited book by Chuck Fager. Chuck wanted to highlight the legacies of 11 Quakers he believed have led amazing lives. Download it here