Patricia Ann Townley Josey

4/15/1950-1/18/2021

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, leader, advocate, mentor, peacekeeper, friend. Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, she moved to Overland Park, Kansas with her family in 1984. The many hats she wore were constantly in motion as Pat Josey always put the needs of others before her own. Pat passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 18th, 2021 in Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 70, leaving a void in so many lives. She was truly a treasure-a strong, sassy, smart woman who believed in and strongly supported women’s rights and equal rights for all. Her calm assured nature and voice of reason, her thoughtful soul and her steadfast support for her family and friends are only some of the reasons why Pat was cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know her and spend time with her.

Pat spent more than 30 years as an integral part of Palmer Marketing. From buyer to Vice President, her years of experience and leadership helped influence the successes of the company. She gained lifelong friends during those years, with many calling her the “heart of the Palmer family” and a “gift.”

With a desire to help others through charitable works, Pat spent much of her life in service to organizations such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, through ESA. In her 33 years as a member, Pat made a great and lasting impact on Epsilon Sigma Alpha. In addition to being an irreplaceable member of her local chapter and the state of Kansas, Pat served on the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Membership Corporation national board of directors and had been elected as chairman of the board in the months before her death. In her six years serving on the ESAMC board, Pat was known as a strong, thoughtful, and respected leader. She served with both her heart and her head, making decisions for the organization that will continue to shape the direction of ESA for years to come.

Pat’s kindness, sense of humor, and compassion for ESA and all who belonged was second to none. It is not often you find someone who is willing to commit so much of themselves to the betterment of others, but Pat was that person. It was a point of pride for her to talk about the new members she introduced to ESA and how they were flourishing in their roles, and she was a fierce advocate for welcoming new and young members into the organization. It always seemed, to Pat, that it was not important to be the one in the spotlight, but rather to allow others to shine.

More than her philanthropic work, Pat’s greatest loves were her husband, her daughters, and her grandson. Her pride in and devotion to her family was unshakeable.

A close friend said “It is a testament to Pat’s character that hearts are broken across the country as we mourn her sudden and tragic passing. Her memory, her ideas, and her impact on ESA and all those who knew her will not soon be forgotten.” She was smart, had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and could make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. She was loved deeply and will be forever missed.

Pat was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Townley and father, Harry Townley, her mother and father-in-law Jane and Fred Josey and her nephew, Matt Townley. Pat is survived by her beloved family whom she loved beyond measure-husband, Rick Josey, daughters Kris Winegar and her wife Heather and Kelley Klenda and her partner James; grandson Jacob Klenda; brothers Richard Townley and his wife Wanda, Bob Townley and his wife Janet; nieces Julie (Townley) Gillum, Lesley (Townley) Geise, Lori (Townley) Kik, Jen Townley and 5 great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in May of 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Pat Josey.

Obituary courtesy of Heartland Cremation & Burial Society