Patricia L. Smith

Patricia L. Smith, 78, of Lakeland, went home to the Lord on August 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Oneonta, NY on July 4, 1947, to James and Dorothy Smith. She came early and unexpectedly! The doctor told her father that there was 50% chance for the mother, and 0% chance for the baby….but they both beat the odds and survived. She grew up in Westvale and graduated from Westhill H.S. in 1965, in their 2nd graduating class. She went to SUNY Oswego and graduated in 1969; continued her education and got her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She taught 2nd grade for 35 years at McNamara School in Baldwinsville, retiring in 2004. Pat had a life-long love of reading (which she passed on to her students) and loved to share her extensive book collection with children and adults. She enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends via e-mail, loved playing games on her iPad, and loved to “shop on Amazon”!! Pat loved the Lord, and she was a long-time member of Amboy Belle Isle United Church, serving as the Financial Secretary for many years as well as the Treasurer of the Women’s Group. She enjoyed traveling to Chautauqua, Lancaster, PA and Disney World with her best friend, Sue Milliman, with whom she shared a home for 45 years. She loved music and enjoyed concerts that Sue sang in with The Master’s Touch Chorale (she was a devoted “groupie”) and with Berkshire Choral (attending concerts throughout the East Coast). She was predeceased by her parents; her cousin, Cheryl Pula; and her Aunt Bea and Uncle Don Beekman. She is survived by a sister, Sue Harmon; nephew, Scott (Laura) Harmon; great-nieces, Sarah and Sophie Harmon; as well as several cousins, including Wendy (Larry) Woodhouse, Judy Franz and Jon (Joy) Beekman. Also, many treasured friends (Talia Harmon), her church family and teaching colleagues; as well as her best friend and caregiver, Sue Milliman. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, 8/16, from 11 am to Noon at Amboy Belle Isle United Church, 6190-92 Airport Road, Syracuse, NY 13209 followed by a memorial service at Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amboy Belle Isle United Church or to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 or online at http://www.hospicecny.org/donate Arrangements by B.L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home, 10 Genesee Street, Camillus, NY 13031. Please sign her guestbook at www.BLBUSH.com

Patricia L. Smith

July 4, 1947 - August 12, 2025