Virginia Beach —Patricia Rose Smolen passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at the age of 86.
Pat is survived by her loving and devoted family: her husband, Stan Smolen, her daughters and son-in laws, Lynn and Jerry Hankin and Leslie and Larry Siegel, her grandchildren and their husbands, Shaye and Glen Arluk, Kari and Yossi Amuial, Megan and Steve Zuckerman, and Ryan and Dan Miller, and her great-grandchildren, Brianna, Madison, and Dylan Arluk, Jordan and Devon Amuial, Jonah and Chloe Zuckerman, and Cameron Hankin.
Born in New York and raised in Arlington, Va., Pat was the daughter of Helen and Leonard Rose. At the age of 15, Pat met the love of her life, Stan Smolen, in Washington D.C. at a holiday party. Stan proposed that night and Pat held on to Stan’s fraternity ring and many love letters while Stan served in World War II as a flight navigator. Stan returned home to her in 1945 fulfilling his promise to marry the beautiful and very sweet Pat. Pat and Stan were married for 68 loving years, holding hands until the end and loving each other every single day while instilling in all who knew them what a beautiful and successful marriage looks like. After living in numerous cities spanning from Washington D.C., Asheville, Norfolk, Buffalo, and Chicago, they settled in Virginia Beach 28 years ago.
Pat loved her family and spending time with them foremost despite her and Stan’s multiple moves and the countless cruises experienced to satisfy her and Stan’s love of travel. Pat was an artist and a collector of all things big and small whether mementos and pictures from her countless trips or newspaper articles saved for her grandchildren. She approached life with a smile and a never-ending positive attitude. She carried herself with grace and dignity bestowed upon all who crossed her path. Pat was beautiful, kind, smart, creative, loving, generous, trustworthy and a giver of the best hugs in the world.
A private memorial service was held. Pat will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her parents, Stan’s parents, and Stan’s sister, Helen.
Donations to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or Air Warriors Courage Foundation. Online condolences may be made at hdoliver.com.