It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Patricia Allyn Smith (Pat) at her home in Ottawa, Ontario on Thursday, April 15, 2021.
Beloved daughter of Joan Smith (late Al Smith). Dear sister of Garr Smith (Mary) and Wendy Piper (Jeff). Cherished by her nephews and niece, Stephen Smith (Lorraine), Marnie Lavigne (Andy), Mitch Piper (Kailen), and Bren Piper and her cousins John Brighty (Lori) and Susan Brown (Doug) and their families.
Prior to her retirement, Pat worked in Ottawa in the Prime Minister’s Office as a writer for the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark and then as Director of Correspondence for the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney. She later became the Senior Communications Manager in the Federal Government for Consumer and Corporate Affairs followed by Veterans Affairs (VAC). At VAC, her personal warmth and kindness were much appreciated by the many veterans she befriended. Largely in recognition for this work, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Honorary Membership in the Nursing Sisters of Canada Ottawa Chapter.
In her life, Pat’s compassion and concern for the welfare of others made for lifelong friends of many of her colleagues. She loved to regale her friends with stories about her family back in “the Soo” and was proud to burst when it came to her nephews and niece. She was one of the “Soo’s” biggest cheerleaders. She was a quiet individual who could brandish a sharp wit on command. As Pat resolved never to die, we will not say goodbye, but, see you manana.
A private graveside ceremony will be held in Sault Ste. Marie. The family would like to thank Rowena and Bruce Coombe, Janice Summerby and Don Cummer of Ottawa for all their assistance and compassion.
Memorial donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion-Branch 25 or the Perley-Rideau Veterans Health Centre in Ottawa. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522). Please visit the Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave a message of condolence for the family.