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Patricia Allen Winters, 97, passed away peacefully on March 25 at Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville, Maryland. Born in Victoria, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Austin Henry Winters Sr; her parents, George Edward Allen Sr. and Mary Lee Bridgforth Allen; brothers, George Edward Allen Jr., Ashby Bridgforth Allen and Wilbur Coleman Allen; sisters, Florence Allen McAnally and Lucy Burke Allen Meyer. 

Pat is survived by her sons, Austin Henry Winters Jr., his wife, Terry and Michael Burke Winters and his wife, Teresa. Pat also had four grandchildren, Brandon Winters, Katherine Winters, Ryan Winters and Kelsey Winters Baird (Josh). In addition, there are a number of nieces and nephews. 

She received her Bachelors’ Degree in Education from Westhampton College in Richmond. Later she achieved a Masters’ Degree in Education from the University of Maryland. She had a lifelong career as an educator from the primary to secondary school levels. Travel was a great passion which led her to travel the world. She loved to experience different cultures, languages and foods. Her language skills enabled her to work with Habitat for Humanity in Mexico and to work with Baltimore County elementary school-aged children for whom English was a second language. 

Pat had a very active lifestyle. This included snow skiing (until age 80), playing tennis and even participating in the Senior Olympics at the national level. Socially, she loved spending time with family and friends. This often involved playing bridge and a number of other games. There was always a spiritual focus to Pat’s life. 

She was very active in church activities throughout her life. She was a member, most recently, of Emanuel Methodist Church. Greater still, she just had her best Easter yet! She was a teacher throughout her life, whether in the classroom or by example. Life was something she actively embraced, not something for which she waited to come to her. A prime example was her building a new life, as a widow of 35 years. She taught us to be curious and open to new life experiences. 

There will be a graveside service at Kenbridge Heights Cemetery on West Street in Kenbridge, at noon on Saturday, April 6. Her son, Rev. Mike Winters, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, you may send a check payable to Charlestown Benevolent Care. Include in the check memo to whose memory the donation is made. 

Mail it to: Charlestown Retirement Community, Attn: Philanthropy, 719 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, MD 21228. 

Clarke Funeral Home, Kenbridge, in charge of arrangements.