Patricia A. Smith

Patricia Ann Smith, known to all as Patty, passed away at her Grand Rapids, MI home with her family at her side on May 13th, 2026, age 76, after a long and valiant battle with multiple health issues. Patty was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Patty was born in Grand Rapids, MI on September 7th, 1949. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Western Michigan University in 1971. She was passionate about helping others and found a path to do so working in health insurance and appeals for decades, aiding people in accessing needed care.

Patty had a tremendous sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She loved going out for a nice meal at local restaurants with family and friends and was known to local artists as a patron and collector. Patty and her husband Dave are both long-time gardening enthusiasts and raised their two children in gardens filled with flowers and organic vegetables. Their family home was a warm place that regularly saw their friends and their children’s friends as visitors. Patty enjoyed games and puzzles of all types as well as sitcoms and British murder mysteries. Knowing Patty meant knowing a kind, caring person with a keen listening ear, a strong shoulder to cry on, and a mind full of wisdom and solid advice. She faced her health challenges with courage and a positive attitude.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents Martin and Mildred Johnson and elder brother David Johnson. She is survived by David Smith, her beloved husband of 53 years, daughter Taylor Smith, son Brady Smith, granddaughter Isla Smith, family dog Watson, as well as family members and dearly-loved friends near and far.

Patty and the family would like to thank dozens of providers and staff at the Corewell Health Lemmen-Holten, Butterworth, and Blodgett campuses as well as the staff of Optalis at Leonard for their care, along with Corewell Health Hospice being a big part of Mom‘s last days.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and no memorial service will be held

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