Veronica ''Roni'' L. Chenowith

The Honorable Veronica 'Roni" Chenowith

Harford County Council member and community leader, Veronica "Roni" L. Chenowith, age 70, of Fallston, MD, died on March 24, 2009 at her home after a hard fought battle with leukemia. Born in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Clement Patrick Stoney Sr. and Mary Louise Mathias Stoney.

"Roni was a very special lady. Her passion for her community and her love of children and youth were unparalleled," said her husband of 48 years, Joseph Chenowith. "I could not have asked for a better partner in life and business."

Councilwoman Chenowith served on the County Council for 15 years and would have completed her fourth term in November of 2010. She was first elected in 1994 representing District B which includes communities in Fallston and Abingdon. During her tenure on the Council her insight and working knowledge of the County helped immensely through two comprehensive rezoning processes, two Master Land Use updates, and county-wide redistricting. She was instrumental in creating legislation to support Continuing Care Retirement Communities and working with the Greater Fallston Community Association to bring about changes to help with the MTBE well contamination issues.

She started her life long career of public service through her leadership in the Fallston Recreation Council and the Youth Benefit Elementary School PTA. With her husband, she co-founded Harford Little League Football at Fallston Recreation Council and was active in the lacrosse and baseball programs. Recently, County Executive David R. Craig had announced at a groundbreaking ceremony that the Fallston Recreation and Senior Center would bear her name in tribute of all she had done for the youth of this County. Until her illness, she never missed a Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor which won her the Good Scout Award in 2004. She always attended every Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony, Elementary School Patriot Program, and brought greetings and well wishes to the graduating class of Fallston High School each and every year.

Her other passions included support for the Harford County Public Library serving as the Council Liaison to the Board of Trustees and an avid supporter of the Harford Library Foundation. She was a member on the Harford Center Board, the Social Services Advisory Board, and liaison to the ARC and Harford County Chamber of Commerce.

Her work in support of the Sexual Abuse Resource Center was instrumental in securing its present day location. She was the co-founder of Harford United Charities and this year she received the Human Relations Commission Martin Luther King / Joseph Bond Good Neighbor Award.

Mrs. Chenowith is survived by her husband, Joseph J. Chenowith Sr. of Fallston, MD; son, Joseph J. Chenowith Jr. and his wife, Kathryn, of Bel Air, MD; brother, C. Patrick Stoney Jr. and his wife, Priscilla; nephew, C. Patrick "P.J." Stoney III; niece, Deana M. Mackey; sister, Joyce Ferkler of Bel Air, MD, niece Bethany Ferkler; sister, Cheryl Ann Stoney; four great-nieces and one great nephew. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Jeffery J. Chenowith who was always in her thoughts, prayers, and heart.

Those who desire may contribute to Harford United Charities, 508 Rock Spring Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.