Patricia Smith

Patricia "Pat" Louise Talbert Smith, 82, passed away on Monday, (June 30, 2014) at her home in Forsyth, Illinois. Pat was born on February 17, 1932 in Decatur to Dr. W.M. and Louise Henry Talbert. Pat was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women. She graduated from James Millikin University where she met Sidney Paulsen Smith. They were wed on December 19, 1953. For 20 years, Pat taught kindergarten in Decatur Public Schools. She was active in the First United Methodist Church where she was a lifelong member. In retirement, she participated in alumni activities at Millikin and served on the Alumni Board. She was a member of P.E.O. Ch. BC and volunteered for several organizations including the Governor Oglesby Mansion and Meals on Wheels (more than 30 years). Pat loved spending time during the warmer months at the family's beloved north woods cabin, Chrisedellen. Her time there was spent with loving family enjoying nature and bird watching. Pat was an avid reader and enjoyed music and art. She was a lifelong learner in these areas and traveled internationally with Elderhostel. Her parents and older brother, Dr. Wilmier Melvin Talbert Jr. preceded her in death. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a brother James Henry Talbert (Sharen) of Mims, Florida, sister-in-law Cecilia Talbert of Livermore, California; two sons; Sidney Talbert Smith of Lake Forest; and Daniel Bruce Smith (Theresa) of Nederland, Colorado; a daughter Susan Elizabeth Freeman (Jeffrey) of Decatur. Pat is also survived by three grandchildren: Tyler Smith of Honolulu; Travis Smith of Boulder, Colorado; and Denise Freeman of Houghton, Michigan, along with several nieces and nephews. A private burial will be held. Services will be Tuesday, July 8, 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, Decatur. Arrangements by Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, DMH Hospice, or Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County. "
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