Obituary
Patricia Jane Smolinski
Peacefully on April 16, 2020 with her family at her side, our precious wife and mother was taken into God’s loving arms at the age of 68.
On February 21st, 2019 our lives changed when Mom was diagnosed with cancer. Despite, she was nothing but determined to win the fight. We can say with confidence she was one of the strongest, bravest woman we knew. Amidst what was thrown her way, Mom never gave up, remained positive, and always made sure we were all ok.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband Kasmir (Kas) of 49 years, daughter Jennifer (James), son Adam (Cathy), and fur grand baby Peanut. She is also survived by her brothers, Dennis (Peggy) and Art, sisters, Gail (Dale) and Lorna (Dave); nieces, nephews, numerous extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Jean and Bill Penny and youngest brother Gordon Penny.
Mom was born on October 1, 1951. She grew up in Petersfield on a farm and learned at an early age what hard work was. After high school, she attended the St. Boniface School of Nursing and completed her LPN while staying in residence with the nuns. On November 20th, 1971 Mom and Dad were married. Shortly after, they built a home and started a life in Clandeboye, Mb, where they raised their kids.
Mom had many amazing qualities that contributed to her being an outstanding nurse. She loved people, was kind, caring, compassionate and had a strong work ethic. She worked as a Geriatric Nurse for 42 years. She often was the first to reach out and care for other family members when they were ill. She always put the needs of others before herself.
Growing up Mom always went above and beyond for us kids. Something we never truly appreciated until we were older. She worked, always ensured we had a home cooked meal, cleaned, gardened and canned. It was not unusual to come home from school with the yard manicured to the tee, dinner ready, and the smell of a freshly baked blueberry pie or homemade honey glazed donuts.
Growing up with a dairy farm never gave us too much flexibility of travel as a family, but in 1989 Mom made it happen. Her and Dad arranged and surprised us with a family trip to Disney World for Christmas break.
Mom was never afraid of hard work, much like her own mother. When Dad needed help in the fields with hay, driving the tractor or even milking the cows, she was there.
Throughout her life, her generosity, kindness, and hospitality was very evident. She always opened her home to family and friends from near and far, sometimes for days or weeks to stay and visit. That was Mom always doing kind for others.
When Dad retired from farming, Mom retired not long after. Mom and Dad remained very active and loved spending time together. She continued to enjoy vegetable gardening, yard work, woodworking, maintaining her flower beds, walking on their nature trails, wild blueberry and mushroom picking, canning, 12 hour marathon shopping trips and cheering for her favourite team- the Winnipeg Jets!!! She loved sitting in their gazebo to watch the hummingbirds or thunderstorms. This is where she would often visit with family, friends, and neighbours enjoying a coffee or cool drink.
Mom had several relationships with many family members, including extended family that she deeply treasured.
Those who knew her well, knew she was caring, outgoing, energetic and loved being around people. She loved to chat and chat and chat. She always enjoyed visiting, and her phone calls with family and friends, easily on the line for an hour or longer. If you stopped by to visit, you had to be prepared to stay awhile.
Mom always loved the outdoors. Often her and Dad would venture off to various campgrounds with their motorhome. Including a few trips to Snow Lake to visit family. Fishing and boating was always a must for mom. She loved Dad’s fresh pickerel fillets pan fried on the fire or his juicy steaks and baked potatoes. Often us kids would join them for a couple nights. When we drove up, it was not unusual to smell Mom’s cabbage rolls from the upper vent of the motor home.
Mom loved adventures, but sometimes things did not go according to plan. Like the time they got the motor home stuck in the middle of nowhere, falling into the pond, or them getting lost into the wee hours of the morning, while driving back from Bissett. When things like this occurred Mom’s favourite saying to Dad was… “Don’t go reporting to the kids right away.” Whatever happened she always ended up confessing, it would start as …“you’se guys would not believe what happened, should we tell them honey?”. Then we would all share a good laugh.
Mom cherished her many trips as a family. Florida and Disney a few times, again with us kids as adults. It was in Key West where she caught a 6 foot King Mackerel, her ability to reel it in impressed the guide. She enjoyed visiting several islands in the Bahamas, including Great Exuma, one of her favourites. Here she was brave enough to swim with the sharks and pigs. Later enjoying a snorkel through the famous Thunderball Grotto. She also travelled with her family to Antigua and Jamaica. Her and Dad also enjoyed a memorable Alaskan cruise with an Uncle of hers and other family members.
A special spot of Mom’s was a lake front cabin in Ontario we would rent as a family. Here we celebrated a few special occasions. She enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the sunset chatting and taking in the beauty that surrounded us.
A few summers before Mom’s diagnosis, her and Dad spent time building a pond on their property. Mom loved having us kids over and enjoying pizza or BBQ’s by the pond, then a bonfire in the evening with a glass of wine. Every spring she eagerly awaited to see when the first streak of orange of her goldfish would appear, calling us kids daily with updates.
Mom always looked forward to the holidays, Christmas being a favourite. Preparing her Ukrainian cuisine well in advance. She made every occasion special for us. She looked forward to our famous annual New Years Eve homemade pizza parties. Each special occasion would always start with a glass of wine, and a spur of the moment toast that made us laugh, but also our hearts smile.
You meant the world to us Mom, Pat and always will. The day we had to let you go broke our hearts. We had so much fun with you, you will be missed incredibly by us and by so many others. We will always love you!
Thank you to all family and friends who came to visit Mom while she was sick. For all your prayers, calls, texts, those who dropped off food, baking, flowers or came by to check on Dad when we were not able to. Thank you to Dr. Harris (Cancer Care), the St. Boniface staff, with special thanks to Dr. Andrew, Dr. Delisle and team, the staff on A7 and the entire Palliative Care Unit for your exemplary care and compassion .
In honouring Mom’s final wishes there will be no formal service and cremation has taken place. A private interment will be held at a later date. In memory of our mom and wife, please take a moment to listen to the song, “The Garden by Jimmy Scott.” Heaven is a beautiful place, God always takes the best!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Patricia Smolinski April 16 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Selkirk, Province: Manitoba