Patricia "Patty" Smyth

Patricia "Patty" M. Smyth

Patricia "Patty" M. Smyth of La Crosse, age 94, died at Gundersen Health System on April 20, 2016. She was born December 7, 1921 to Dr. John and Mildred (Hallam) Guilfoyle in Evansville, Wisconsin, the third of four daughters (Ruth, Helen Mary and Ann). Patty grew up loving sports and was the City Tennis Champion as a teenager. After graduating from high school, she attended Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin and then took a position with Dairyland Power Company in Madison. It was there she met her future husband, Robert D. Smyth, in 1945. They married on July 27, 1946. Shortly after Bob's graduation from law school, they moved
to La Crosse where Bob became general counsel for Northern Engraving Company and later went into private practice. In 1949 they had a son, Robert P., followed by a daughter, Susan, and son, John. Patty was a 1950's and 1960's stay-at-home mom but she was seldom home, staying or visiting with family and friends whenever they needed her. She volunteered and was especially proud of her many years of service to Gundersen's social services department.
Patty enjoyed playing golf, bridge, gin rummy, bowling and joining the Friday night fun and games group for dinner. She dearly loved the Packers and Badgers and never missed watching their football games regardless of their record. She was very active her entire life and in fact had her driver's license renewed for eight years when she turned 93. Up until last year, she mowed her acre lawn and shoveled her long driveway. In May of last year, she had the first of a number of health issues that ultimately lead to her death. Still she remained positive and courageous, a woman of slight stature, but with a huge heart and soul.

Patty was predeceased by her husband in 1980, her parents and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Bob (Barb) Smyth and John Smyth, and daughter, Sue (Bob) Blau, granddaughters, Sara Smyth, Lisa Smyth and Jenny (John) Lightbody, and great­ grandsons, Evan and Owen, and great-granddaughter (yet to be born) Lightbody.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:DO a.m. at Mary Mother of the Church Parish in

La Crosse on Friday, April 29, 2016. Father Brian Konopa will officiate. Visitation with the family will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Mary Mother of the Church Building Fund or the charity of your choice. Schumacher-Kish of La Crosse is assisting the family. An on-line guest book is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.