Patricia McCarthy Keeton

Patricia (“Patty”) McCarthy Keeton, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and grandmother, died unexpectedly at home in Stevensville, MD, on February 16, 2016 at the age of 66. Born on October 20, 1949, in New Jersey, she was the daughter of Marion Babey and the late Eugene McCarthy. Patty grew up in New Jersey and later received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree in special education from Johns Hopkins University. After starting her career as a public school teacher, she spent the past 32 years at Howard Community College, where she most recently served as the Executive Director of Workforce Development in the Division of Continuing Education. Patty was very active in Howard County activities, a graduate of Leadership Howard County, past president of the Maryland Community College Association for Continuing Education and Training, and a recipient of many awards, including the Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award, the Chamber of Commerce’s BRAC Business Person of the Year Award, and the College’s Administrator of the Year Award. Patty held leadership positions on numerous boards, including chairwoman of the National Association for Adult Education Legislative Committee, for which she assisted in drafting the 1991 National Adult Literacy Act. Additionally, she frequently testified in Annapolis on adult literacy policy, and was recognized locally and nationally as an expert on literacy and workforce development. Patty most loved spending time with her family where she was affectionately known as “Grammy.” In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, James T. Parker of Stevensville, MD; sons, Brian Keeton (Courtney) of Ellicott City, MD, and Kevin Keeton (Kevie) of Olney, MD; stepdaughter, Jennifer Perkins (Fletcher) of University Park, MD; sister, Maureen Campbell (Craig) of Frederick, MD; brothers, Mark McCarthy of Fredrick, MD, and Daniel McCarthy of Holiday, FL.; grandchildren, Vaughn, Colby, Quinn, Owen, Brody, Ashton, and Caroline; and many adored nieces and nephews. Grammy was the matriarch of the family, always coordinating events and selflessly and unconditionally offering her support, love, guidance, and wisdom, among all other resources. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Louis Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike in Clarksville, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Patty’s name to scholarships for students with financial needs set up by Howard Community College’s Foundation Office. Contributions can be made by calling the Foundation at 443-518-1970 or go online to howardcc.edu/donate.

Patricia McCarthy Keeton

October 20, 1949 - February 16, 2016