Patricia Smith

Patricia 'Pat' Smith, age 80, died Sunday April 2, 2017. On March 31st, 2017, Patricia Benjamin Smith of Viroqua declared that she was going to "die today". She did not, in fact, die that day, and could not die on April 1st as that would be too cruel of an April Fools joke. Pat, known affectionately by her family as Maui, waited until Sunday morning, April 2nd at 10:30 am to leave her body. She had been resting comfortably surrounded by her family for two days. Her final moments were peaceful, attended by her son Brock, and her Grandson Benjamin Hanson, both of Viroqua. Patricia Benjamin Smith was an extraordinary woman. She was born on September 21, 1936 to George and Mildred Benjamin. She would tell you she was blessed with a childhood filled with adventure. Her father was a teacher, so summers meant travel. Her Grandfather was an inventor, and part of Pats early years were spent living in an apartment above the toy factory where "Make-it-toys" first started. It was later sold and renamed "Tinker Toys". Pat went off to college at just 16 where she joined her sister Georgann. After college, she married Brock Smith and together they raised five children. Her life was far from ordinary, as they traveled the world with the John Deere Company. One of the many moves took them to Heidelberg, Germany where Pat found she was living the dream. More Art Galleries to see than time to see them! One thing she always made time for was packing up the kids and heading to "the Island"- Madeline Island, Wisconsin, where Grandpa Georgie and Grandma Margie lived in the summer. Her children were blessed to spend almost every summer on Madeline Island. When the empty nest hit, Pat moved to, of all places; Westby, Wisconsin. Her daughter Annette had found a beautiful Victorian house that she thought would make a great Bed and Breakfast. Hence, The Westby House was born. Pat never met a stranger. Many of the friends she made when she moved to Westby have remained close and dear. In retirement, Pat loved to play bridge. Her "Bridge Ladies" were great company. Her wit, sarcasm, and laugh will be missed by many. Pat is preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; and much to her chagrin, two of her daughters: Patty Smith, and Annette Park. She is survived by: Her sister Georgann Hickman of Texas, three children, Pam (Mark) Outzen of La Crosse, Elizabeth Hanson of Viroqua, and Brock Smith of Viroqua. Her legacy lives on in a whole gaggle of awesome people: her 14 grandchildren, every one of whom she pushed and nurtured into capable beings with irreverent senses of humor, and 11 great grandchildren. A private celebration of Pats life, and those of her two daughters, will be held on Madeline Island in August. There will be no services, as per Pats wishes. Her view was "I wont be there, so do whatever you want", and the family feels that they have had the time they needed to say goodbye. Respects and condolences may be paid by drinking a half white wine, half juice beverage, which Pat referred to as a "Half and Half". Pat praised the Hospice Center and wanted all to know about the wonderful caring staff and services. She was very thankful to Kris Brueggen and Dr. Porter (whom she referred to as Cutie Pie). Pat had the life she wanted, enjoyed the love of family and friends, and will be remembered with joy. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.