Patricia Jane Woods

Patricia Jane Woods (Smith), age 83, formerly of Madison, Ct. was called home on March 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. Patsy, as her family called her, was born on May 27th, 1941, in Manhattan, NY to the late George and Eileen Smith. She was a loving, fun, generous and devoted mother to each of her four children, Michael, Christopher, Stephen, and Terri.

Patsy was raised in the Kingsbridge and Riverdale sections of the Bronx among a large extended Irish family. She summered in Rockaway Beach, NY where her love for both swimming and the beach began. She was a 1959 graduate of Blessed Sacrament Academy, Yonkers, NY. She excelled academically and in sports. Her leadership and athleticism shined through during those early years as she was Senior Class President and Captain of the Varsity basketball team.

After graduation, Patsy worked for Eastern Airlines, which sparked her lifelong sense of adventure and deep passion for traveling the world. Some of her most cherished memories include trips with her four children and grandchildren to Florida. She also fondly recalled traveling with her parents and sister, Eileen, to visit the family farms in Ireland, kissing the Blarney Stone, and cruising to Bermuda with her brother George and his wife Claire. Other unforgettable experiences included walking on the glaciers in Alaska, marveling at the blue icebergs and crystal waters; visiting Hawaii and taking a helicopter ride over the volcanoes; relaxing on the shores of Block Island; swimming with dolphins; and leading her CT friends on trips to New York City for Broadway shows.

Patsy and Kevin, her husband of nearly 30 years, moved their growing family from New York to Madison, CT, where she raised her four children and developed lifelong friendships while never forgetting her NY roots. Patsy was a constant presence with her children; volunteering at their schools, coaching and cheering them on in the multiple sports her children played or hobbies they pursued. She taught CCD as an active member of St. Margaret’s Church. Patsy was always lobbying against the inequalities of girls’ sports. In the 70’s, Patsy and Kevin (President of Madison Little League), along with a few other trailblazing Madison women, founded the Madison Girls Softball Little League Program, one of the first female Little Leagues in the State of CT. Furthermore, she advocated and won access to new equipment and fields for the Girl’s program.

Patsy had the gift of gab and bringing people together. Everyone was always welcome at Patsy’s house and her kitchen table. Her home was an oasis for many. You never left her home hungry and without advice or counsel. She cherished the holidays, entertaining, listening to music, dancing, and swimming.

She was a devout Uconn women’s basketball fan, when they were not playing you could find her watching the Hallmark channel.

In her later years, she was a beacon of light at Chestelm Rehabilitation in CT. sharing her lifelong stories with the staff and residents. She was an active participant on bingo days and started “Pats Movie Club” when she realized the residents needed activities to do on the weekends.

Her greatest joys were her grandchildren, assisting in the caretaking of several of them over the years. Observing their triumphs, celebrating their graduations and weddings which brought her great happiness.

Patsy is survived by her children Michael Woods (Diana) of St. Petersburg, FL, Christoper Woods (Molly) of St. Augustine FL, Stephen Woods (Stacy) of Clinton, CT, and Terri Knapp (Warren) of Westwood, MA and her beloved grandchildren, Heather, Taylor, Michael, Emily, Maura, Erin, Megan, Leo, Noelle, Ryan, Robin, Stephanie and Ian, Her Sister, Eileen Brennan, and Sister-in-Law, Claire Smith, Kevin and many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, George and Johnie Smith.

Visiting hours will take place on Friday, April 11th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Swan Funeral Home

825 Boston Post Rd Madison, CT

A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 12th at 12pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 54 Grove Street, Clinton, CT 06413

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Patsy’s memory. www.stjude.org