Obituary of Patricia M. Smith

Patricia was born on March 12, 1940 in Passaic, New Jersey, to Christian John and Eleanor (Johnson) Cunningham. She died on Friday, November 15, 2013, in her home. She married William John Smith II on April 15, 1961, in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Patricia and William made their home in Nutley, New Jersey, where Patricia spent time working office jobs and eventually became a florist after realizing how much she loved floral design. Patricia eventually made her way to Punta Gorda in 1986. Like many others, Patricia and William survived Huricane Charley in 2004. Patricia loved serving others, especially by writing encouraging notes and served as a deaconess in her church of First Alliance of Port Charlotte. While a member of Punta Gorda Alliance Church, she continued her writing ministry. Patricia is survived by her husband of 53 years, William; daughter, Susan Elizabeth Smith of Comayagua, Honduras; son, William John Smith III of Chapel Hill, NC; three grandsons, Merritt William John, Avery Christian, and Ryan Andrew Smith, all of Chapel Hill, NC; sister, Joyce (Cunningham) Breen of Los Angeles, CA; brother, Randall (Sandie) of Hamburg, NJ; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Christian John, Jr. A memorial service will be held at 11:30AM on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Punta Gorda Alliance Church, 7500 Florida Street in Punta Gorda. Please visit Patricia's tribute wall at www.schelmfh.com to share memories or to send condolences to the Smith family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Punta Gorda Alliance Church, 7500 Florida St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Arrangements by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Lake Suzy. Phone (941) 625-3535.