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In Memory of Pat Smith
We are sad to share the news that Pat Smith, a long-time member of Jewish Gateways’ Steering Council, died on December 12, 2017. We extend our condolences to Pat’s beloved husband and Jewish Gateways participant Paul Werner, and to Pat’s other family members and friends.
Pat first became involved with Jewish Gateways as a learner. She participated in many classes, contributing her dedication to learning and her gentle yet focused questioning.
She soon became a member of our first Steering Council. As a volunteer, she was generous and loyal. She brought her skills, time, and careful attention to organizing and expanding Jewish Gateways' participant database, which has been key to our growth as an organization.
Patricia Anne Smith
A native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Pat majored in English at Grinnell College and received a Master of Social Work in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of New Mexico and then worked as a caseworker in Albuquerque.
In 1976 she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she had a long career as a technical writer. Pat volunteered with a number of other non-profit organizations, including Friends of the El Cerrito Library and Writer Coach Connection.
Pat was an avid reader and loved the arts. She enjoyed museums, concerts, operas, plays, and musicals wherever she lived and traveled. She also loved walking and discovering new places in urban areas and in parks. Pat was gentle, intelligent, well-read, clear, articulate, and unpretentious, a sea of calm in a world of chaos, spreading her grace wherever she moved.
All of us who worked with, learned with, and knew Pat miss her and will continue to do so.
Donations in memory of Pat Smith may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, or to an environmental organization or charity of your choice.