Patricia M. Smith

Patricia M. Smith passed away on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona. She was born Feb. 20, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. The daughter of Jane and Laurence McNevin, Pat had an admiration for word games and puzzles. She was an avid reader and writer, pouring her observations of the world into the pages of journals she kept. Her unconditional love for the Chicago Cubs was worn like a badge, and rewarded with a World Series victory in 2016. Pat worked as a nurse at Swedish American Hospital and then became a hospice nurse. She was a wonderful mother, a great sister, and a phenomenal grandmother; a woman who spent her life putting others before herself. Her compassion and altruism were woven through every area of her life. Pat had the ability to convey a smile through words alone, lifting the spirits of those around her with a phone call under any circumstance.

Maya Angelou once said, “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” Pat made an indelible impact on those she cared for — relatives and patients alike.

Pat is survived by her ex spouse: Bob Smith, Sr.; her sons, Bob Smith, Jr. (Alison) and Kurt Smith (deceased); daughters, Kit Wittner (Eric) and Sharon Smith; grandsons, Mason Wittner and Lorne Wittner; granddaughters, Courtney Smith-Bush, Kaylan Smith, Emily DeAno, Mae Smith, and Leah Hladkyj ; sisters, Kathy Umbenhower (Bill) and Grace McNevin; brothers, Ed McNevin (Carol), Larry McNevin (Sue), and Richard McNevin (deceased); as well as many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 8th 12:00p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL  61108 with a visitation prior to celebration beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Please wear Cubbie blue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave, Rockford, Il 61108.