Patsy M. Rowland

Patsy M. Rowland, 85, of Savoy, IL, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Patsy Marie Beard was born on August 18, 1938 at home in rural Ogden, Illinois to Russell and E. Pearl (Haynes) Beard, and was raised on the family farm along with her two brothers. She was a graduate of Ogden High School.

Pat began working for the University of Illinois four days after graduating from high school, starting as a receptionist in the Maintenance and Grounds department, and eventually working as administrative aide to the assistant dean in the Educational Psychology department, where she spent the remainder of her 30-plus year career. During her retirement, she volunteered at the Champaign County Nursing Home, and the Champaign Public Library, working in the FriendShop Bookstore.

Pat married Larry Esworthy on August 4, 1957, and they lived on the Esworthy family farm near Ogden, later moving into Ogden. After they parted ways, she married Theodore Rowland on August 21, 1968, and they moved to Champaign.

Pat enjoyed reading, gardening, travel, needlepoint, knitting, decorating for the seasons and holidays, doing all types of puzzles, watching game shows, especially Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and spending time with family and friends. She started every morning with a cup of tea, her puzzles and newspaper, and a smile on her face, looking forward to whatever the day would bring. She especially loved watching her beloved Fighting Illini football and basketball games while listening to Brian Barnhart’s enthusiastic commentary on WDWS radio.

Pat’s surviving family members include daughter Lori (Esworthy) Chien and her husband Peter, Rome, NY; son David Esworthy and his wife Kristi (Thacker), Sanford, FL; and grandchildren Katherine and Sarah Chien, Megan Esworthy and her fiancé Nicholas Volence, and Drew and Emily Esworthy. She is also survived by her brother Darrell Beard and his partner Linda Waldron, Bloomington, IL, and a niece and several nephews. Also surviving her are stepson Theodore Rowland, Jr. and his wife Susan; stepdaughter Dawson (Rowland) Zimmerman and her husband Michael; stepdaughter Claire (Rowland) Brock; and step grandchildren Jennifer and Justin Rowland. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard Beard, sister-in-law Patricia (Taylor) Beard, and both of her ex-husbands.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lan Nguyen and Dr. Kendrith Rowland, the staff of Carle Hospital, and the staff of Carle Hospice, especially nurse Lisa, for their compassionate care of Pat.

Pat was a loving, kind, caring, and generous person, always putting others before herself. Her passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all her loved ones. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Pat’s memory to the Champaign Public Library Foundation, 200 West Green St. Champaign, IL 61820 or online at givetocpl.org ; or to Carle Hospice, 4116 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822 or online at carle.org/giving/make-a-gift .

A memorial service at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph, IL, will be announced at a later date.

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