Obituary: Patricia A. (Flaherty) Smith

Smith, Patricia A. (Flaherty) - Of Malden, MA, and Windham, NH, passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's on Feb. 16, 2017. Daughter of the late Patrick and Agnes (Cummings) Flaherty. Former wife of the late Albert E. Smith. Beloved mother of Mary A. (Smith) Sobolewski and her husband Todd R. Sobolewski of Windham, NH and Albert R. Smith and his wife Karen Smith of Billerica, MA. Sister of the late William Flaherty, Edward Flaherty, John Flaherty and Richard Flaherty. Also lovingly survived by her grandchildren Ryan Smith, Alex Smith and Tessa Sobolewski. Pat also leaves behind many devoted nieces and nephews and friends.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral from the Carroll Funeral Home, 721 Salem St. Malden on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, 770 Salem St. in Malden at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Visiting Hours in the Carroll Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzhiemer's Association at m.alz.org/donate.asp.

Born in Malden and a resident of Malden for many years until moving to Windham, Pat passed away with her son and daughter by her side after visiting with her grandchildren and daughter in law and son in law at the Heritage Nursing Care Center in Lowell where she had resided for the past five years. While first married, Pat enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews, often taking them to the zoo, circus, ice capades and other fun events. When her two children were born she was a stay at home Mom for many years and then later a single Mom. PTA President, Sunday school teacher and color guard Mom, were only a few of the hats she wore. She was completely devoted to Mary and Al and was well acquainted with their friends of who many considered her a second Mom.

Pat worked for many years in the financial services industry as an Accounting Manager and quickly turned coworkers into friends always organizing social events and activities.

As her children began their own families Pat found a love of singing with Sweet Adeline's and sang bass with the Merrimack Valley Chorus of Wilmington for over 25 years. The chorus supported Pat during the early stages of her disease, acknowledged her commitment and service with an "In Her Footsteps" award and later as a Member Emeritus when she was no longer able to participate. Pat enjoyed traveling with the chorus as well as taking many cruises over the years and always seemed to find someone she knew on her adventures or an opportunity to use her catch phrase, "Think you'll go tonight?" She found joy in bringing people together and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Pat was a friend to many always willing to lend a shoulder, words of wisdom, and sometimes tough love. She will be remembered as someone always ready to work hard, have fun and find the best in all she met. Her children are grateful for all the support they have received during this long journey and know that Pat's spirit will live on through their treasured memories and in the hearts of her grandchildren.