July 29, 1942 – July 31, 2025
Patricia E. Smith, 83, of Northwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, surrounded by the family she so fiercely loved.
A time to greet friends and relatives will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2025, at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, IA. Patricia will be laid to rest at Sunset Rest Cemetery at a later date.
Born Patricia Ellen Mega on July 29, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Henry Louis and Francis Jane (Evans) Mega. She attended Catholic school in her early years, later graduating from Sayville High School, where she played the bugle and proudly served as a drum majorette. Patricia’s calling to care for others came early; she earned her LPN from Caledonia Nursing School in Brooklyn.
But her real story began on November 15, 1961, when a handsome sailor named Steven Smith asked her to dance. They danced that entire night, and for the next 63 years. Married just a month later, on December 17 at Prospect Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Patricia and Steve began the adventure of a lifetime.
Their journey together spanned coast to coast, beginning in Brooklyn and heading west with the Navy to California, with baby Steve in tow. Over the years, they built a life full of movement, joy, and unwavering devotion: living in New York, California, Ohio, Iowa, and Minnesota before settling into their forever home in North Iowa.
Wherever life took them, their bicycles came too. Riding side by side, they pedaled across beaches, mountain paths, quiet country roads, and bustling neighborhoods. They found peace in the rhythm of their rides, just the two of them, wheels spinning, hearts full. It wasn’t just a pastime; it was a way of being together.
Patricia was nothing short of extraordinary. A working mom before the term was common, she and Steve juggled three children—Steve, Stacey, and Shana—while continuing her education and building a career that spanned decades. From hospital floors in New York to mental health advocacy in Iowa, Patricia’s nursing career was both broad and impactful. She helped found EduCare, served as a hospital supervisor, taught nursing students through NIACC and the University of Iowa, and even took on the role of school nurse in Northwood, where she famously “never took any bull”.
In everything she did, Patricia held herself to a high standard. She was hardworking, detail-oriented, and independent when she needed to be. She carried herself with grace – always ‘classy’ – and instilled that same strength and dignity into her children and grandchildren. She believed in being early (“If you’re not early, you’re late”) and taught by example, never expecting more of others than she did of herself.
Her family has a thousand stories, like the time she and a coworker were trapped in a car during a Kensett snowstorm, buried for more than a day and a half while her family feared the worst. Or the years spent on the Kensett farm, where Patricia’s beloved horse, Lou, roamed and memories were made in every corner. There were games and gardens, projects and laughter. Something was always blooming or being built.
And through it all, there was dancing. Always dancing. In kitchens and living rooms, at weddings and on ordinary Tuesdays. It was her love language—spontaneous, joyful, deeply rooted in togetherness.
She adored her husband. Her children. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were everything to her, and in turn, she was their guiding star: the one who set the tone, kept the bar high, and gave each of them something to strive toward. They all looked up to her. They always will.
As her daughter said, Patricia did it “her way” and we were lucky enough to be along for the ride. And what a ride it was!
The days were long, but the years were so very short.
The world won’t be the same without Patricia.
Surviving are her beloved husband, Steve; children, Steven (Diane) Smith Jr. of Gilbert, AZ, Stacey (Michael) Johnson of Waverly, and Shana (Lynn) Butler of Northwood; beloved grandchildren, Curtis (Danielle) Smith and their children, CJ and Sophia, Spencer (Tiffany Rose) Smith and their children, Davina and Mason, Matthew Smith, Kristin (Valerie) Rubio, Emily Grace (Will Rivera Jr.) Smith, Kayla (Wesley) Sutton and their child, Paxton, Kelsey (Luke) Cariveau and their child, Clementine, Marlee (Anthony) Rasmusson and their children, Brooks, Jayla and Presley, Logan (Casey) Butler and their children, Evelyn and Olivia; siblings, Jane Apicella and George (Sue) Mega; Steve’s siblings, Curtis “Mark” (Beverly) Smith, Suzie (Bruce) Stone and Nancy (Curt) Cooley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her parents; Steve’s parents, Evelyn and Curt Smith; a brother, Bob (Sue) Mega; and a brother-in-law, Ralph Apicella.
Conner Colonial Chapel. 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, IA 50459. 641-324-1543.
ColonialChapels.com