Patricia Ann Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Smith.  Pat died peacefully after a short illness with her sister, Stephanie, and sister-in-law, Fern, at her side.  Pat was the beloved daughter of Winston and Eileen Smith (both predeceased) and cherished sister of Stephanie (Robert) Wilton-Duncan and Robert (Fern) Smith.  She was the well-loved aunt of Emily (Jenn), Naomi, Crystal (Dan), Melissa, Erin (Corey), Emily and Tim (Hollie).  She had several great-nieces and -nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Mark Wilton.

Pat was a woman who embodied strength, determination, courage, and a great sense of humour.   Born in rural New Brunswick, she was equipped with a body that did not respond to the directions of her keen mind and the desires of her strong will.   Pat loved her family near-and-far deeply and spent much time over the years visiting relatives in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

In her teens, Pat learned Morse code, combining foot stamping to create letters.  With the patient support of her parents and teacher, she learned to spell words and construct sentences, finally giving her a voice.  She used her words to express her feelings, needs and desires clearly and eloquently.  In recent months she was excited to work on her memoirs, sharing many childhood stories with her sister.

Pat loved music.  As a teen, her mother made sure she heard, and often met, many popular performers of the day.  Together Pat and her mother attended concerts, pushing their way to the front through the crowds to see and be seen.  In later years, Pat’s brother and sister-in-law took her to several concerts.

Pat moved to supported-living at Parkway House in the late 1980s.  She continued to enjoy regular visits home and family holidays, with frequent trips to New Brunswick, Calabogie Lodge, Niagara Falls and her favourite, Virginia Beach.  She became an advocate for those with disabilities who had experienced sexual abuse and did some volunteer work with The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa. 

Pat lived life fully but not the life she would have chosen.  As she is reunited with those loved ones who have gone before her, may her spirit soar with a new freedom and fullness.

A celebration of life will be held at Parkway House, 2475 Regina St., Ottawa, on Wednesday November 15 at 2:00 p.m.  A private interment at Capital Memorial Gardens will occur prior to the service.  The service will also be livestreamed and available through the Tubman Funeral home website.

Many thanks to Lesley and the care staff at Parkway House and to the Queensway Carleton Hospital ICU staff for their compassionate care at this time.

In Memoriam donations to  Parkway House or  The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa  would be appreciated.  Condolences, tributes and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com