Patricia A Smart

March 30, 1946 - October 19, 2022

RANCHO SANTA FE — Pat was the world’s best grandmother, a devoted sister, mother, wife and friend. After a courageous year and a half long stand-off with pancreatic cancer, she died on October 19, 2022.

She is survived by her loving husband Rick, her daughter Jen, son-in-law Josh, grandchildren Charlie, Nate and Ellie, siblings Chuck, Mary, Joanie, Liz and Ellen.

Pat was born on March 30, 1946 in Albany, NY to Jane Ablett and Charles Finin and was the first of seven siblings. She attended Vincentian Institute for High School where she met Frederick Richard Smart Jr. Pat attended The College of Saint Rose and graduated in 1967. Pat and Rick married on October 28, 1968 and welcomed daughter Jennifer on December 14, 1971. The little family settled in Averill Park, NY where Pat taught elementary school for many years before retiring to pursue her second career as an artist.

Pat completed courses at local colleges in printmaking and painting, particularly watercolor. Nature, travel and her natural gift for teaching provided inspiration for her artistic endeavors.

She was a member of several art organizations in the Albany area, where she had solo shows and taught art workshops for children and adults. Pat and Rick spent winters on Sanibel Island, Florida, where she was a member of BIG Arts and Sanibel Captiva Art League. She held several positions on SCAL and served as President for two years. She also facilitated batik, painting and printmaking classes for friends and neighbors.

Pat’s love and devotion to nature and art paled in comparison to her commitment to her grandchildren: Charlie, Nate and Ellie. Her role as “LGM” (Little Grandma) prompted a move from the East Coast to San Diego in 2013. Her gentle attention and natural curiosity inspired a love of nature and creativity in her daughter and grandchildren, who all find joy in artistic expression. Pat never wanted to miss a moment and walked thousands of miles through parks, neighborhoods, beaches, forests, lagoons and theme parks all in the name of a good time with the kids. In California, Pat was a member of San Diego Museum of Art and Off Track Gallery through San Dieguito Art Guild. Her work hangs in many private collections, and she has received awards in New York, Sanibel and San Diego.

Pat’s ability to make and keep deep connections has left a trail of friends new and old across the country. A celebration of her life will be held early this summer in San Diego. Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com