Kathryn "Kitty" Bringman Ozman

Kathryn Bringman Ozman, age 83, died at her home at 114 Jimstown Circle, Chestertown, on April 8, 2004. She was the daughter of the late William Oliver and Olivia Clayton Bringman. Her husband, James T. Ozman, died in 1976. Mrs. Ozman was born in Chestertown and was a lifelong resident. She was a graduate of Chestertown High School, Class of ''37, and attended Washington College. She was one of the first women in this area to join with her husband as a working partner in their automotive business, Ozman''s, Inc., holding exclusive area franchises for Pontiacs, Oldsmobile’s, GMC Trucks and Jeeps. After her retirement from the automotive business, Mrs. Ozman was appointed the first Maryland District Court Commissioner for Kent County, a position she held for over 25 years until her retirement in 1997. While a Court Commissioner, Miss Kitty, as she was known, received a Governor''s Citation in 1990 in recognition of her ''impressive commitment to the people of Kent County'', and a Governor''s Citation in 1997 in recognition of ''over 25 years of outstanding service with the District Court of Maryland, in honor of her integrity, dedication and commitment she demonstrated during her career as a District Court Commissioner. The Town of Chestertown proclaimed Kathryn B. Ozman Day in Chestertown on June 6, 1990 for ''serving diligently, faithfully, tirelessly and unselfishly at all hours of day, night, and holidays responding to Judges, State''s Attorneys, police officers, citizens and taxpayers, and the Kent County Commissioners proclaimed Ms. Kitty Ozman Day on January 9, 1997 honoring her for a job well done as ''the citizens of Kent County and the State of Maryland relied upon her to administer equitable judgments when a violation or crime had been committed, and honoring her for her support and guidance in determining charges upon offenders of the Jaw to the men and women of law enforcement. Mrs. Ozman attended Emmanuel Episcopal Church as a young girl. She was a charter member of the Soroptimist Club of Kent County and had been a volunteer for the American Red Cross. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Joan Ozman Horsey and her husband, Elmer, of Chestertown; three grandchildren, Tracye Smith Landon and her husband Pete, Scott Ozman Smith and his wife, Shari; Todd Bringman Smith and his wife, Diane, all of Chestertown; two step-grandchildren, Elizabeth A Horsey of Annapolis, and Gary E. Horsey and his wife, Melissa of Chestertown; five great grandchildren, Frank Ozman Smith, Kathryn Macey Smith, James Thomas Ozman Landon, Carli Crew Smith and Baker Fallon Horsey Landon. She is also survived by two step-great grandchildren, Jennifer Ashley Horsey and Lauren Nicholson Horsey. Her brother, William J. Bringman, died in 1981. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aprill3, 2004 at Helfenbein, Fellows, and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be private. Funeral arrangements by Marvin V. Williams, Jr.