Contributions to the tribute of Mary "Pat" Margaret Smith

J

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Aunt Pat. That is what I remember her as. She was just like an Aunt to me in my formative years. She had a wonderful energy that you could sense the moment you approached within a 20-foot radius of her. “Look at you, Joe, God luv yah!” That was the boilerplate greeting Aunt Pat belted out for me and others that were blessed to be in her presence. My most vivid memories of her were during my childhood as a son of a glider pilot. Our family and the Smith family were part of a small soaring community. Our home base was a tiny airport in Cooperstown, New York but we also traveled throughout many other parts of the Northeast and United States during summer break from school. The Acee and Smith kids were always up to something and my mom and Aunt Pat made sure that whatever we were up to, it was kindly interrupted with 3 square meals and a hearty hug. That was one of Aunt Pat’s specialties, hugs, and they were awesome. It was the kind of hug you got lost in and would emerge thinking, what the hell just happened—but in a nice way, of course. As well as great hugs she also had the most amazing laugh. It was operatic and unhinged. In the evenings while I and the rest of the kid crew would be out horsing around somewhere on airport property, you could always hear the adults gathered at an outdoor campfire. It was a way for the older folks to unwind from the day's adventure. At that gathering the evening cocktail of choice for the adults was “The Green Thingy” and it was the octane that lighted up the sound of humorous thunder all night long. From a distance you could hear the energy rise slowly, one laugh here and one laugh there and then peak with intense volume. Without question, whenever it broke out into hilarity, Aunt Pat roared above all others. Aside from some of those simple yet amazing qualities, the one that sticks with me the most for not only Aunt Pat but for other moms in that small clan of glider pilot families, was their tireless dedication to family and the sport of soaring. For those of you out there unfamiliar with Aunt Pat’s many great achievements, her finest, in my humble opinion, was crew chief. This simple title holds a lot of weight due to the number of tasks that must be performed. It tested anyone's multitasking skills and the most skillful of crew chiefs dedicated vacations and weekends to serve in this important role. In the Acee and Smith families, the wives were the crew chiefs. They would cook, clean, wash clothes, wash gliders, tape gliders, assemble gliders, tow gliders, run the wing of gliders, delegate various other tasks to further facilitate the preparation of gliders, be a counselor to the pilots, help keep the pilots organized and focused, problem solve with the pilots, wait for pilots while they were out on course in the air, manage the kids during that time period and in some cases retrieve the pilots if they landed away from the airport. When the flying day was done, they would basically do everything they had done at the beginning of the day in reverse. And then do it all over the next day. Even with all of that and the very high risk inherent in the sport of soaring, they gave their pilot one-hundred percent of their support day in and day out. I think you get the idea, that it was a labor of love for the ladies and without question, they were masters at it. Aunt Pat was what I considered to be a part of a small group of elite crew chief moms. It’s a rare sight to see that kind of commitment in the sport of soaring and in general today. It’s a special thing to witness and I will never forget it or Aunt Pat. Just like those hugs, those roaring laughs by the campfire light and everything else that was one-hundred percent of her very best. God luv yah, Aunt Pat. You will be forever with us all.

T

Theresa Gallagher and David George posted a condolence

Monday, September 3, 2018

We are so saddened by the passing of Pat, she was a great woman. Always with a laugh and a smile, and always on the go. She will be missed and our deepest condolences to Sherri, Scott and Leigh.

M

Moe & Sophie Acee posted a condolence

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Pat, Tom & family were great friends over the years. Many fond memories flying & socializing at soaring contests. Pat & Sophie always the best crew & hosting excellent food cookouts. Our sympathies go out to Scott, Leigh, Sherri & their families. Moe & Sophie

P

Peter Gumaer Ogden posted a condolence

Sunday, August 26, 2018

I only met Pat this past April. She was very friendly, full of life and had a wonderful sense of humor. I admired the fact that she encouraged her fellow seniors to get together and go out to dinner adventures at different venues in our region. When I saw the notice of her death at Clinton Manor today I was completely shocked and stunned because she seemed so full of life when I last saw her a few weeks ago. She will be greatly missed by her neighbors at Clinton Manor. God Bless you Pat. I think you said you had a place reserved in the beautiful Sunset Cemetery across from Clinton Manor: The giant cloud like century old Hydrangea trees are in spectacular bloom there now: So beautiful and heveanly! I can see Sunset from my window and I pass through Sunset routinely. Undoubtedly I will think of you often and fondly in your close by gorgeous resting place. Godspeed.

S

Sona Larzelere lit a candle

Saturday, August 25, 2018

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Sona Larzelere posted a condolence

Saturday, August 25, 2018

I was so sorry to hear that Pat had passed away so unexpectedly after her fall. She was a valued member of Questers and will be deeply missed for her sense of humor and dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time. With Sympathy, Sona Larzelere

M

The family of Mary "Pat" Margaret Smith uploaded a photo

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Mary "Pat" Margaret Smith

1935 - 2018

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