Patricia J. Smith
Patricia Jean Smith, age 85 of Strongsville, OH, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020, after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was born to the late Charles and Evelyn Grace on April 22, 1935.
Patricia spent her childhood in Owosso, Michigan and graduated from Owosso High School. She attended college at Eastern Michigan University and later pursued her education in physical therapy at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH, where she met her husband Richard. Richard and Patricia made their home in Garfield Hts., OH, where they lived for 55 years and raised their family. Patricia spent her career as a physical therapist specializing in hand rehabilitation at Marymount Hospital, ultimately retiring as Director of Physical Therapy.
Richard and Patricia were avid campers which afforded them the opportunity to see 49 of the 50 United States, as well as many of our United States National Parks. As founding members of the FuNCHAsers Camping Club, they were active in the National Campers & Hikers Association (NCHA), later the Family Campers and RVers (FCRV) where they made many life-long friends. They served the organization as field, state, and regional directors. As state directors, they chaired a week-long National Campvention for NCHA in 1983 at Buck Creek State Park for over 15,000 people and were part of the establishment of the Buck Creek State Park campground and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Faith and family were very important to Patricia. She and Richard were members of Hathaway United Methodist Church in Garfield Hts. for over 50 years, now Hope United Methodist Church in Bedford, OH. She was an excellent cook and avid seamstress, making most of her own clothes and home décor as well as holiday outfits for her grandchildren, and was part of the lap quilt ministry at Strongsville United Methodist Church.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard Lee Smith; her sister, Marlene Fick; her daughters Lisa Smith and Melanie (Keith) Williams; and her grandchildren Marissa Smith, Emily Williams, and Matt (Maggie) Williams.
The family expresses gratitude for the care and support Patricia received from Hospice Services of Southwest General (https://www.swgeneral.com/Our-Services/Hospice-Services.aspx) and the Northern Ohio Chapter of the ALS Association (http://webnoh.alsa.org). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of these fine organizations.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.
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So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Smith. Sending my condolences to her family..
When I first started working at Marymount in the therapy department Pat was obviously one of the quiet leaders. She was someone that the patients looked for. And the staff went to for support as well as answers. When the churches joined I enjoyed talking with her and Dick and the way they teased each other. And yet their bond was obvious. They are fun people, a pleasure to be around.
Prayers to Dick and family, Pat was a wonderful lady,I always enjoyed talking with her she always had encouraging words. We enjoyed listening to them speak of their traveling days. We will miss her.
Both Dick & Pat were always helpful in any way they could. We worked together in association with FCRV/NCHA and they were great leaders. Pat always had a winning way with her. We will all miss her. Stay strong, Dick.
Love, Frankie & Ellis Ittel
Prayers to Dick, her family and friends. Beautiful, loving and caring lady. Her encouragement to me and so many was always appreciated and will be missed.
Dear Dick, Lisa, Melanie & Family
Each time I visited Pat I was so very aware of her discomfort. I prayed each night for her. I have so many fond memories of both of you Dick. They go back to you as newlyweds.
Love & Prayers to all of you
Nancy
Dick, Lisa < Melanie & Family,
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of this very special lady, Pat who was dear to all who had a chance to meet her. We are thankful that she is no longer in pain and grateful for the many memories we can hold close to our hearts. She will certainly be missed not only by her family but by those who had a chance to meet her. Our prayers will be with the family at this difficult time and our prayer is that God will bring peace to you as he has to her. God Bless The Micellis Richard & Joan
Dear Mel and family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and bring you comfort. Carol Miller
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Smith/ Williams Families. Heaven has gained a “camping” angel!