Obituary of Patrick Francis Smith

Patrick passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at McGarrell Place in his 91st year. Beloved husband of Mariela (Cortes), loving father of Theresa Marie (Robert Tate), and grandfather of Ava Marie all of London. Predeceased by his father Edmund Clarence and mother Elizabeth Catherine (McDermott) and by his brothers Bernard and Philip, sister-in-law Hazel Marie and nephew James Smith. Survived by his sister Joan Marie (Sassano), niece Marlene Paquale (Frank) and sister-in-law Ellen Joyce. Also predeceased by his loving grandparents Edmund Christopher and Jane Smith (Dell). He will be fondly remembered by many cousins including Elaine Stevens (Don) and Ann Smith and dear friends Teresa and Jose Aquirre, Angelica and Stanley Gonsalves, Zoila Solano and family, and Barbara and Robert Tate Sr.

Dad spent a long and successful career in education as a teacher (Sarnia), principal, administrator, consultant (Windsor and Toronto) and after retirement spent 22 years as a Catholic school trustee with the London Middlesex and London District Catholic School Boards. He also served as a National Component Public Service Alliance Canada as vice president for Ontario, president and executive director of the Ontario Catholic Parents Association and served on the board of director of several other provincial associations including the Catholic Education Foundation, the Institute for Catholic Education, and the Completion Office Separate Schools, plus several education ministerial committees. An avid gardener and collector of antiques, he loved music, the theatre and opera and especially travelling with his wife. In his later years, Pat loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Ava, at their cottage along Point Pelee.

Cremation has taken place. Visitors are welcome to John T. Donohue Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. where a Funeral Service will take place the following day at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing to join the family via live stream please, CLICK HERE Mariel’s ashes will also be present. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

To donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation please, CLICK HERE