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Patra Smilo Obituary
Patra Joyce Smilo passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of April 15, 2023, at the age of 75. She was born January 24, 1948, to her loving parents Irving and Cleopatra Smilo. Patra had two brothers, John W. Smilo and David Lee Smilo. She was preceded in death by them all and is survived by her sister-in-law, Angela Smilo. Patra overcame a difficult childhood when she was diagnosed with Polio at an early age and then later with Autism. She overcame them both and went on to live a happy and productive life. In 1989, Patra began attending the day program at Bittersweet Farms in Whitehouse, Ohio. In 1992, she became a full-time resident. She loved creating arts and crafts. She channeled her precocious personality into artwork and tried to spread joy through the pieces she created. Patra loved collecting antiques and small items, a passion she inherited from her Mother Cleo. Patra helped her mother run Cleo's Antiques in Sylvania for years. She loved shopping and spending time with family.
Patra loved the staff at Bittersweet Farms and was the longest tenured resident at the time of her passing. A private service will be held at Bittersweet Farms for family, staff and residents. Those who wish to send a donation may do so at bittersweetfarms.org in the name of Patra J Smilo.
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Memories and Condolences
for Patra Smilo
Sponsored by Blanchard-Strabler Funeral Home - Toledo.
4 Entries
Lynn Mackley
May 3, 2023
Rest in peace Patra. It has been a long time since our high school days, however you always had a sweet smile to give.
Marie Louise Ludwig
April 30, 2023
My heart is filled with so much joy this morning knowing this beautiful angel on earth will be reunited with her precious mom ... and for anyone who wonders HOW life works and the mission we have as humans - here goes. This is the abbreviated story of how one minute of meeting can change lives forever. I met Patra's mom, Cleo, for a nanno second when I was in my early 20s. 40 years ago. She was working a charity booth for Bittersweet Farms at Southwyck Mall. I recall telling her what a wonderful mom she was in making sure her daughter was cared for with love and dignity. As if a messenger from God ... she pulled me aside and told me in no uncertain terms "if one day you should have a daughter like Patra, promise me you will make sure you have a loving and caring place for her and others like her." I promised. It haunted me what she said. Because I was not even married. Fast forward 40 years alter. I am the mother of three children with special needs - all three have autism, but my daughter has severe autism and is non verbal. She will need care the rest of her life and in honor of my promise to Cleo and so much more, in 2009 I began a 501c3, Stephanie's House ... it is a life home for women with autism. We bought a beautiful home and my daughter and her roommates are well loved and cared for for life. Thank you, Cleo, for my mission and thank you, Patra for giving your life to inspire others as autism has since become a worldwide mission. Mother and daughter together again. www.stephanieshouse.org. Angela ... God bless you for taking care of her to the end. Marie
Molly LaMountain
April 28, 2023
Condolences to her family. She will be missed
mary
April 26, 2023
pat was a very special person i will miss her dearly.
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