Patricia N Lawrie-Smith

Patricia Neoma Lawrie-Smith (Brophy)

Birth:  December 30, 1938 – Cleveland Ohio

Death:  March 1, 2021 – Niceville Florida

Spouse:    Richard (Dick) Malcolm Lawrie-Smith

Children:  Kristen Ann Thompson (Dave); grandchildren: Kyle Latham, Bryce Latham, Joshua Thompson

               Karen Lyn Ewing (Kevin); grandchildren: Jennifer Ewing, Mark Ewing, David Ewing

Siblings:  Shirley Robledo, Bill Brophy (Susie), Bonnie Day, Johnny Brophy, Tommy Brophy, Alfred Brophy (Carol)

Mom was born in Cleveland Ohio and lived in the “BIG” house.  Her Uncle John, Aunt Ann and Cousin Barbara lived next door in the “little” house.  Truly the homes were similar in size – but the amount of kids made it look and feel so much bigger!  The family made a permanent move to sunny Pasadena California when her father and Uncle Al Brophy decided to begin a small business (Standard Nut Manufacturing in Monterey Park).  Times were tough during those early years, but eventually the business thrived. So-much-so, the family decided to move to another big house in the small community of Ontario California.  Mom was very saddened as she left her friends in Pasadena as she began her Junior year at Chaffey High School. Then, six months later her father passed away unexpectantly. Mom was just 16 years old.

In her early 20’s, Mom met dad by corresponding to a hometown Navy sailor serving in Japan. They soon married when dad completed his military duty.  Together, they raised two daughters. Dad worked at General Electric as an airplane engine inspector and mom worked in clerical for many years with Anderson Accounting, Dr. Abbotts medical practice, Lanterman State Hospital and the Ontario division of the California Highway Patrol. Dad and Mom were married just shy of 30 years.

Once retired at age 60, Mom shared some new adventures by living near Karen’s family in Texas and tropical Florida. When we say tropical … Mom always said the humidity and bugs were not her friend. She much preferred the climate in California.  But; the love of sharing time with her grandkids and watching them grow was too special. She traveled back/forth to Washington State to visit Kristen’s family (another climate she believed was perfect).

Her many years of sharing time with family and friends was Mom’s greatest pleasure. She corresponded often through cards, emails and phone calls.  But nothing could take the place of her personal time with those she loved. She cherished these times of togetherness; listening to the laughter and funny conversations at the dinner table. Her grandkids know her as “Grandy”. She was always curious what was going on in their lives, how she could help or pray for them.

As we reflect on her life; what stands out the most to Kristen and I is her faith-walk and journey.  Naturally, we all can attest that life is sometimes difficult (we have good days and bad); but she placed all of her situations at the feet of Jesus.  She prayed to Him for grace and forgiveness. She prayed to Him for thanksgiving. She prayed to Him because He gave her hope in a future! Kristen and I are forever grateful that she taught us these truths from an early age. She loved being connected to Church; serving and studying His Word. 

Our hearts are forever changed because of her presence, her witness and steadfast faith, and her all-supporting love.  We will miss her deeply and we longingly wait until we can be together with her and our Lord and Savior in heaven! This was the verse she shared in her Christmas letter of 2020:

“In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know” John 14: 2-4

Another fun fact:  She loved hearing this old “contemporary” song; “The Days of Elijah”.  Goggle this on YouTube and you can maybe picture her singing out loud (with healthy lungs) and proclaiming His Name!

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