September 28, 1929 — March 30, 2021
Pat Smith died on March 30, 2021 after a brief illness. She was a lifelong resident of San Francisco and was always proud to call it her home.
Pat was born with orthopedic irregularities that required extensive hospitalization as a child. These challenges remained with her throughout her life and gave her a determination and particularly strong nature. All who knew her soon learned not to underestimate her resolve. She possessed a lively spirit, was great fun to be with, and could tell a bawdy joke with the best of them. She was married twice early in life but her third and final marriage to Tom Smith in 1958 lasted 35 years until his passing in 1993.
She worked for many years starting in 1951 at United Airlines in its San Francisco location at Union Square. From 1971 to 1987 she owned and operated Cozy Corner, a dry cleaners on Capp Street. During the AIDS crisis she became a fixture in the gay community offering rides, friendship, and counsel to countless young men. She served on the board of directors for the AIDS Emergency Fund and was honored with the B.A.R. Hometown Hero Award in 1989.
Her family and friends wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Mary Ann Kurtz and Sui-Mi Wong, who provided years of caring support to Pat. Their devoted efforts allowed her to remain in her home on South Van Ness Avenue, which had been her fervent wish in the final years of her life.
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