Jack Smith
Patricia Irene Smith, 80, born in San Francisco to Stanley (Bud) and Eleanor Terris on July 19, 1943, died April 21, 2024 In Modesto, CA. She was a graduate of St. Paul’s High School, San Francisco, class of 1961.
Survived by husband Jack, sons John (Colleen Thomas) and Jason, grandchildren Gavin, Allison, and great granddaughter Hadley, sisters Dorothy, Eleanor, and Cathy, brothers Stanley (Muggs) and Timothy, and numerous nieces & nephews, and latest rescue – Fred.
Predeceased by sisters Joanne, Maggie, Helen, and grandson Carson.
"We see a hearse; we think sorrow. We see a grave; we think despair. We hear of a death; we think of a loss. Not so in heaven. When heaven sees a breathless body, it sees the vacated cocoon & the liberated butterfly."
― Max Lucado, Christian author and preacher.
Pat, frequently called ‘the butterfly lady’, due to her love of all things related to butterflies. Clothes, pins, trinkets, jewelry, wind chimes, garden displays, butterfly bushes, - all things.
Pat and Jack were married June 16, 1967. They were 2 months shy of celebrating 57 years of marriage.
After her two sons were born, she was always active in schools, helping in class when possible. When the boys became old enough for Cub Scouts, she was a Den Mother, later as Boy Scouts, active in parental activities. Known as ‘MOM’ to many boys, for always being there to lend a hand, and for baking birthday cakes. Later she also became involved in District positions for the Boy Scouts. And always attending Eagle Scout ceremonies for boys she knew.
Pat was also known for her sourdough cinnamon rolls. And for many Christmases, she had an open house in the a.m. for relatives, neighbors, and numerous friends to come over and kick-start their day with hot cinnamon rolls, coffee, and orange juice. It was a labor of love, serving over 100 people on several occasions.
Pat loved to be around little children. And they were attracted to her like a magnet. She had a knack for saying the right things to keep them interested in the moment. Whenever they came to the house, she would delight in showing off the stuffed animal collection, some that even talked or sang. And the children she loved to be around most were the grandkids and great granddaughter.
Pat was also known for her sourdough cinnamon rolls. And for many Christmases, she had an open house in the a.m. for relatives, neighbors, and numerous friends to come over and kick-start their day with hot cinnamon rolls, coffee, and orange juice. It was a labor of love, serving over 100 people on several occasions.
Pat loved to be around little children. And they were attracted to her like a magnet. She had a knack for saying the right things to keep them interested in the moment. Whenever they came to the house, she would delight in showing off the stuffed animal collection, some that even talked or sang. And the children she loved to be around most were the grandkids and great granddaughter.
Pat had a strong conviction to her faith. And she would volunteer for many, many church activities.
We wish to thank Covenant Hospice for their guidance and care during this difficult time.
There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial at 11:00 a.m. on July 20, 2024 an Emanuel Lutheran Church, 324 College Ave., Modesto, CA 95350. Ashes to be scattered privately at a later date.
There will be a butterfly release in the courtyard immediately after the service.
Please stay for lunch afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Emanuel Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, your local Hospice, or your favorite animal rescue organization.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Emanuel Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, your local Hospice, or your favorite animal rescue organization.
