Patricia K Smith

Patty was quite literally a tour de force -- with a keen intellect, zest for life, and indefatigable energy. She was a world traveler, Francophile, gourmet cook and devotee of Julia Child. A lifelong educator at heart, Patty was also an expert seamstress, a fast and loyal friend, and witty raconteur (especially over a glass of really good French wine).

Patty was born in New Jersey to Edwin and Mary Keeffe, and she moved four times across the United States by the time she graduated from high school, accompanying her family as her father’s career evolved. While in Tulsa, Peggy was born. The two sisters – Patty with dark curls and Peggy with lighter curls – were an inseparable pair from the start and loved each other fiercely. The family returned to the East coast, eventually settling in Cleveland Heights, Ohio for Patty’s high school years where she attended Beaumont School for Girls. A leader and stellar student, she forged lifelong friendships with many Beaumont classmates. Continuing her academic journey, Patty attended Rosary College outside of Chicago (now Dominican University), excelling academically and socially. Once again, she found a group of lifelong friends whom she cherished. When Edwin’s career took the Keeffe family to Antwerp, Belgium, Patty spent her junior year nearby in Switzerland and became an adept skier before returning to Rosary for her senior year and graduation. Following graduate studies in Belgium, Patty returned to Chicago and launched her career – first as a third-grade teacher, later transitioning to educational publishing at Scott Forsman and ultimately joining S.R.A., which became part of IBM. Despite being one of few women in her field, she earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and began a new chapter in market forecasting at IBM, leading to her relocation to Boca Raton, Florida.

Boca Raton brought Patty closer to her parents, who had settled on Fripp Island, South Carolina. It was in Boca West that she met her future husband, Peter, who like Patty was an avid tennis player and golfer, with a wry sense of humor that complemented Patty’s storytelling and sparkle. Patty and Peter married in September 1982 and remained in Boca West.

Patty’s career with IBM took an interesting turn in the late 1980s when her market forecasting division moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. Demonstrating extraordinary dedication, she continued to work for IBM while commuting weekly between Boca Raton and Raleigh until retirement. Together, Patty and Peter made this an adventure, making many friends in the Raleigh community.

Despite coping for many years with rheumatoid arthritis, Patty did not slow down in retirement. She served as a leader in her condominium association, enjoyed playing bridge, was a voracious reader, and regularly attended reunions with her Beaumont and Rosary classmates. August and the holidays were spent on Fripp Island with Peggy and family.

Patty loved the entire Keeffe-Smith-Baker clan – Peggy’s husband John Baker, Peter’s sister Pamela Smith Murphy and her husband Patrick Murphy, Patty and Peter’s seven nieces and nephews - Lizzy, Jay, Megan and Amy Baker, Justin Lemmons, Megan Lemmons Harbaugh, and Sam Murphy, and all of their spouses and partners - Joel, Casey, Mark, Lynn, LeAnn, Jeff, and Gabby. She doted on her six great nieces, Olivia and Eleanor VandeVusse, Rowan and Riley Ruppel, Kamie and Elise Harbaugh, sending them beautifully decorated cookies, sweaters knit with love, and exquisitely curated holiday presents and Christmas ornaments. Everyone – young and not so young - loved receiving a box from Aunt Patty.

Patty’s commitment to her family (near and far) was unwavering, but her deepest devotion was reserved for her husband, Peter. She relished his company, was utterly smitten by his humor, admired his intellect and treasured their 42 years of marriage.