Patricia Young

Patricia (Pat) Young passed away peacefully on March 16, 2023 at the age of 87. Born on July 25, 1935 in East St. Louis, IL, to Christine (Bosworth) and Eugene Gowan Jr. After graduating from East St. Louis Senior High School, she attended Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, where she met her husband to be, Harley Young. They married on June 25, 1955 and enjoyed a life of adventure together. During their marriage, they enjoyed traveling together frequently and also living abroad. Pat was a devoted mother and enjoyed raising two daughters (Catherine and Janet).

An avid reader and life-long learner, Pat received her master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Librarian, including working at Shorewood Hills Elementary, and creating a library for girls while living abroad in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.  As a longtime Anglophile she was thrilled to meet the then Prince Charles while working at the British Council in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. 

Pat lived life curiously. She thrived solving puzzles, researching new subjects of interest, and compiling genealogical records. She loved to garden and spend time in nature. She was independent, and passed on a “you can do it” attitude to her children and grandchildren. Pat cared deeply for those around her, and enjoyed teaching others things like baking and sewing. She found joy in bringing people together, including planning family reunions, and encouraging frequent games of “Marbles”.  Pat was greatly fulfilled by being a deacon, choir member and an active member of First Baptist Church of Madison.

Pat was preceded in death by daughter, Janet Kasinski, brother, Eugene Gowan III, and great grandson, Stephen Foster. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harley, sister, Irma Richardson, daughter, Catherine Dohs, granddaughters Josephine (Mark) Ingram and Anna (Erik) Johannes, great granddaughter Kailynn Foster, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on May 6th at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church Of Madison. (518 N Franklin Ave, Madison, WI) with a visitation to follow. It will be live streamed at https://live.firstbaptistmadison.org or viewed at a later date at https://firstbaptistmadison.org, go to live stream, click on Worship Archive. Memorials preferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library Impact Fund.

Memorials preferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library Impact Fund.  https://secure.supportuw.org/give/?id=2946fa06-64ee-4492-a03d-9299d4cf614b

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Rd.

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-3434