Pamela Grace Smith

Pamela Grace Smith passed away peacefully at her childhood home February 5, 2016 surrounded by family. She was born on March 9, 1953 to Boyd and Jeanette (Ruoko) Smith in Crosby, Minnesota. Pam graduated from the Crosby-Ironton High School in 1971, and then earned a Biology degree from the College of St. Scholastica in 1975. In 1980 she obtained her degree as a Registered Nurse from St. Louis University. From 1980 -1990, she served as a nun with the Sinsinawa Dominican Order. During that time she provided public health nursing to the poor in the Bronx, serving a variety of ethnic communities. Pam also studied and worked in a convent in Bolivia, South American. In 1990, Pam returned to work as an RN at Abbott Northwestern Hospital Emergency Room in Minneapolis. She was accepted to Franciscan Skemp School of Nurse Anesthesia, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1992, graduating in 1994. Pam took her first job as a CRNA in a challenging setting in Harlington, Texas. She returned north in 1997 to work as a CRNA at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, retiring in 2015 with the respect and friendship of those she worked with. During that time, she used her vacation time and funds to serve nine medical missions in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

Pam loved life, and was generous and outgoing. She enjoyed a cold beer with friends and family and was a gracious host, talented at cooking and grilling. Her Kentucky Derby parties were celebrated with large hats and a betting board. Pam spent time outdoors when she could go fishing and golfing. She also could be found on Saturdays, watching college football. Pam was good at home improvements projects and was considered a Menard's aficionado by her siblings. In her quiet time, Pam was an avid reader, watched old movies, did crosswords and played cribbage. Pam played the trumpet and guitar in her younger years, traveled extensively, and was considered a person that could do anything.

She never hesitated to help a friend or family member, as was giving of her time and resources. Pam was a prolific writer, sending uplifting cards to family and friends. Pam did not take herself too seriously, understood happiness, and valued spirituality in her life.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Peggy (Smith) Modler, as well as nephew Aaron Smith. She is survived by Susan (Smith) McCloskey, Madison, WI, Maureen (Smith) Alaboud, Maple Grove, MN, Janet Smith Crosby, MN; brothers, Bob (Marianne) Smith, Bloomington, MN, Pat (Judi) Smith, Deerwood, MN, Richard (Mary) Smith, Colorado Springs, CO. Pam had eleven nieces and nephews, and six great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Friday, February 12, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Crosby. Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library, 101 1st St. SE, Crosby, MN 56441, where her parents worked for almost 30 years. Donations may also be sent to the organizer of her medical missions, Sharing Resources Worldwide. www.sharingresources worldwide.org.