Patrice Smith, 51, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 4, 2013, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Patrice was born March 25, 1961, in Merrill, daughter of Floyd and Loretta Smith. She graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1979. Patrice worked for Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the past 15 years as a C.N.A., and was currently the Unit Clerk for the Medical Adolescent Pediatric Unit. Patrice will always be remembered as a caring person who always placed the needs of others ahead of her own. She sought out opportunity to care for children, family, neighbors, and co-workers in their time of need. She had a wonderful sense of humor that she used to bring cheer to the people around her. Patrice was always very proud of her job serving the patients, nurses, and doctors of the hospital. Working in pediatrics, she loved to rock the babies and always wished “baby rocker” could be a full time job. She enjoyed spending time with her family and the many traditions that were celebrated. She was especially in love with her grandchildren, Lily and Lucas.
As per her wishes and in the spirit of her unwavering self sacrifice, Patrice donated her organs to people in desperate need of a second chance on life. This wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her husband of 14 years, Todd Smith, Merrill; three children, Jillian (Garret) Carlson, Merrill, Benjamin Swan of Lafayette, Colorado, and Jacob Swan, Iowa City, Iowa; two grandchildren, Lily and Lucas Carlson, Merrill; three brothers, Monte (Mary) Smith, Pete (Lori) Smith, and Jon (Michelle) Smith, all of Merrill; Ricky Smith, a nephew who she treated like a son; and also two special people in her life, Ryan Campbell and Kay Keane. Patrice was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leonard and Rose Smith, and Harold and Marion Yaatenen.
A Memorial Service for Patrice will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Mr. Nate Nelson of the Northwoods Vineyard Church, Tomahawk, will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Monday and again after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, all at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com
The Smith Family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the T.B. Scott Library, Merrill.