Patricia Marie Smith

Patty was born January 27, 1943 to Edith Victoria (McGovern) and Joseph Alphonse Schantz in Rochester, NY. Patty graduated from St. Francis Xavier grade school and Notre Dame Academy in Washington, DC, and attended Dunbarton College. After completing her third year of college, she married Bob, the love of her life, who was starting flying with the U.S. Navy. Patty and Bob were based in Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, Norfolk, VA, Patuxent River, MD and Bermuda. When Bob expanded his career to be a commercial airline pilot, Patty anchored the family as a stay-at-home Mom, delaying her fragrance sales career until after her daughters were off to college, working in Atlanta, GA, Alexandria, VA and Naples, FL. Patty was the cornerstone of the family, providing constant strength, love and grace.

Patty enjoyed tennis, biking, and reading. She came to life with music, especially in her later years living with Alzheimer’s, and was affectionately called the “Dancing Queen”. Most of all, she loved traveling the world with Bob and other family members, enjoying 49 ocean cruise vacations and visiting 88 different countries. She was a funny, warm, vivacious, and patient woman who made everyone feel valued and understood because of her love and heartfelt interactions with them.

Patty’s proudest legacy was her devoted family. In addition to her loving husband of 60 years, she is survived by her two daughters, Christine Smith of Cape Cod, MA and Denise (Smith) Coccio and her husband Christopher of Hopkinton, MA; her 6 grandchildren, Robert Dombrowski (Chelsea Hayes), Michael Dombrowski (Sarah Lynch), Megan Dombrowski, Ryan Dombrowski, Brendan Coccio, and Lauren Coccio; and 2 great grandchildren, Abby and Lucy Dombrowski. She is survived by her sister Jo-Ann Furlong (William), and brothers Michael and Brian Schantz (Jennifer).

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd, Naples FL. A celebration of life service will be held at a future date on Cape Cod, MA for family followed by a private inurnment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105, or avowcares.org, who compassionately cared for Patty. Additional gratitude goes to A Premier Home Provider Service for their exceptional, loving care during the past year, especially Gloria and Maria who have become part of our family.