Patricia A. Gauen

Patricia Ann Gauen of East New Market MD passed away January 25, 2026. Born in 1934 in East New Market, MD to the late Ross E. and Louise C. Smith.

She graduated from East New Market High School in 1952. She later married the late Richard E. Gauen in 1953. They were married 70 years.

She worked for the Dorchester County Department of Social Services until she retired in 1994.

She is survived by her children Kenneth Ross Gauen, and Bonnie Jo Powell (Kenny); Grandchildren Crystal Gauen (Scott), Kenny Powell, Jr. (Katie), Karen Silbereisen, Andy Silbereisen (Sarah) and Courtney Hults (Stephanie); Great Grandchildren Dylan white (Kaylee), Kenny Powell III, Alex Fuller (Jullye), Kayley Fuller, Austin Silbereisen, Sasha Biel, Alex Andrews, Emmett Hults, Mackenzie Powell and Duke Biel. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She had several special nieces and nephews Debbie Beers (Steve), Donnie Reid (Leisa), and Jocelyn Hubbert. Donnie and Leisa made sure mom has what she needed, they would always go online and find it, especially when it came to the medical supplies. She had some special friends she always called her other children Michelle Jackson, Robin Olsen, Kristy Jones, Jason Trego and Jenna Trego.

She was preceded in death by her late husband Richard E. Gauen, her parents Ross E. and Louise C. Smith, In-laws Kenneth R. and Cleo Gauen, siblings Margaret Eskridge (Amos), James Smith (Charlotte), Bettye Smith, Virginia Mills (Arnold), Nancy Hubbert (James), daughter-in-law Dara Gauen, special niece Tammy Shufelt, and brother-in-law Barry Gauen and great-granddaughter Gracyn White.

She was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She always took care of family members and friends when they became ill.

She loved making flower arrangements; she made sure everyone had something on their grave for different seasons and holidays. She also liked gardening; her flowers were her pride and joy and always looked beautiful. People would always stop by and tell her how nice her yard looked and how beautiful her flowers were. One of her favorite pastimes was floating in the pool and hanging with the girls. She loved to cook. She never cooked a little, it was always for an army, always making sure people had food when they could not cook for themselves.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Secretary Methodist Church at 1PM with Rev. Howard Hoffman officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Secretary Methodist Church, P.O. Box 70, Secretary, MD 21664. Arrangements are in the care of Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.