"I worked with Reesha at a small local newspaper in Mt. Shasta. We had a ball working together, just the two of us, until all hours of the night. We were good friends. After my son was born there I moved to Santa Barbara to attend the University and we kept in touch. I eventually moved to Florida and she to Michigan. The last time I saw her was in Michigan at my brother's house before she was married. I googled her to let he know that my son passed away a few weeks ago and found her remembrance. Reesha was so smart and talented and a good, good, friend. So sorry to John, and her family."
In loving memory of
PATRICIA MILES SMOLENS
April 2, 2011
Patricia Miles Smolens passed away Saturday evening, April 2, with her brother John, sister-in-law Kathy, and husband John at her side.
Born and raised in Detroit, she was the daughter of Donald Miles, attorney at law, and Laura Landless Miles. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in English literature and theater. After college she worked in theater in New Hampshire, and then lived for a number of years in California. Upon
returning to Michigan, she worked as a technical writer and editor in Lansing.
In 1987 she married John Smolens, who taught at Michigan State University, and they moved to Marquette in 1996, when he joined the English
faculty at Northern Michigan University.
She was a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique and had a deep fondness for a good book and everything
from the blues to classical music.
Visitation hours will be held at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home, from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 7. Reverend Paul Lehmberg will preside over a memorial ceremony at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that contributions be made to the Lake Superior
Hospice Association, 914 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.
Tributes
"Dear John, So very sorry to learn about the loss of your dear wife Patricia. I remember her from years past at an Alexander Technique workshop and then again in more recent times at Cotillion. I knew her to be a kind and lovely lady. With Sympathy, Jane, Phil, and Hannah Milkie"
"I am deeply saddened to hear of Patricia's passing. I took Alexander Technique lessons with her for about a year and found her to be the sweetest, most supportive person and teacher. She always provided a sense of peace and hope to those around her. I will miss her presence in our community so much. My heart aches for her family and close friends. Warmest regards, Suzanne Standerford"
"Dear John - Please accept our sincere sympathy and condolences. Reesha was a light, lithe, warm spirit and her mere presence was enough to brighten the atmosphere of any room. I am so sorry not to have had the chance to spend more time with her. We are still out of town and unable to attend her service. We will honor her memory by dedicating our sunset thoughts and prayer to her and to you."
"I only knew Patricia a little from a nice chat we had at the beach in front of Diana Oman's house. She seemed to me a lovely person, with peace in her heart and a love of the life she had lived. We-fellow friends of Abraham- know absolutley of the life that is beyond this one, only an expansion to our greater BEing, which is pure unconditional Love! That's what Patricia is permeated in now. Love, harmony, joy and peace. Many Blessings, Love, Judy"
"Dear John, In my previous note I should have mentioned... Since we are away for the winter, we will not be able to join in the ceremony for your wife. But my wife and I made a special effort to view a peaceful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in honor of beautiful,Reesha...XO Peace, Les and Carolyn"
"John, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time."
"John, My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours for comfort and strength during this difficult time. Sue Martens"
"Reesha surely was a bright, beautiful and a very peaceful lady. What a warm smile she had. Kris and I will also keep her in our thoughts and prayers as we watch the sun setting on the Gulf of Mexico at the close of a warm and wonderful day. We wish we could be at the memorial tomorrow evening, but will get together with you on the docks in May."
"Dear John and Family, My wife and I wish to offer our love to you at this time...Our hearts are heavy but filled with love...Be strong and we are here if you need us. We will reflect on the beauty and spirit of Patricia... With Sympathy and Peace, Les Connon and Carolyn Crowley"
"John, We were so sorry to hear of Patricia's passing. She was a very special person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"John You wife was an absolute angel. We had only brief conversations but they were always pleasant with good energy. Greg and Joanne Mingay"
"John, We are so sorry for your loss. Although we met her only a few times at Goodriches house, we remember her fondly and enjoyed your company. Since Meg kept us informed we have been thinking and praying for both of you. Elke and Robert Rafferty"
"John, I don't think anyone is more keenly aware of the inadequacy of words at a time like this than a writer, but perhaps it helps a little to know people are thinking of you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Lynn"
"John, What great neighbors and friends you and Reesha were to us. Reesha was so kind and helpful to our son, Karl and myself when my husband was sick. We will always remember her. We send our love and condolences. Sincerely, John and Marla Holt"
"Dr.Smolens, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. May God give you strength during this difficult time. Kurt Greising"
"John...Coach Smo: I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time."
"John, I gasped when I read Patricia's obituary. A more graceful woman is rarely found in my memory. We met in Lansing while working for the same company. Reesha always grounded me with her graceful energy. I know of her work with healing energy and how many she assisted, probably with their own life transitions. In addition to all of that, she was awake and alive and very cool too. I am so very sorry for this loss. I thought of her often when the memory of Marquette came to mind. My mind always rested on a gentle thought when I did. I pray that you are held by love. MaryAnn Fry"
"John, Words fail ~ Reesha ~ resides in our hearts Love, Mary, Pat, and Victoria"
"Professor Smolens, I am so sorry for your loss. A former student."