Patricia Sowards Gabriel

Patricia Sowards Gabriel, 89, of Bradenton, Fla., passed away March 4, 2017, at Blake Medical Center. She was born Aug. 2, 1927, in Greenup. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy, who died in the Battle of Bastogne; her parents, Betty and Judge Jim Sowards; and her husband, James. After graduating valedictorian from Greenup County High School, she attended and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. She worked in the field of arthritis research for many years. Patricia and her husband, James, raised a family of four sons, who are all "adequate sailors" having been taught by their father. "Granny Pat" and "Uncle Jim" retired on a sailboat, cruising the coast of Florida, the islands of the Bahamas and the eastern seaboard for 15 years, living out their dream and making treasured memories with their family and friends before moving to Bradenton, where the memory-making continued. Patricia was active in Bradenton Freedom Village community, volunteering wherever and whenever help was needed. Patricia is survived by her sons, John (Deborah), Robert, Richard(Lily) and Michael (Marcy); eight grandchildren, Daniel (Emily), James (Jennifer), Christine, Carrie (Jeremy), Annie (Michael), Louis (Morgane), Thomas and Madelyn; and eight great-grandchildren, Jack, Ben, Ellie, Addison, John, Emma, Asher and Calvin.

A gravideside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017, at Riverview Cemetery in Greenup with Pastor Mike Dennis officiating. Reed Funeral Home in Greenup is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to rlrfuneralhome.com. - See more at: