Obituary of Patricia Carter Burkhart Smith

Patricia "Pat" or "P.B." Burkhart Smith, 72, of Ferndale, Washington, passed away early Monday, August 23, 2021. She was born February 15, 1949 in Houston, Texas, to Hugh Reginald Burkhart and Ruby Nell "Nelson" Ivey. Pat spent most of her life in New Orleans, Louisiana. Patricia is survived by her siblings, Carol Stallings Edinger (Patrick) of Solana Beach, California, Debi Burkhart Luetzelschwab (Earl) of Bloomington, Indiana, and a sister in law, Lynn Izard Burkhart, as well as her two cherished children: Meghan Smith (Sampo Vesa) of Helsinki, Finland, and Carter Smith (Michelle) of Victoria, Canada, and her grandson, the apple of her eye, Archer, 3. In addition, Pat is survived by several nieces including Kris Malone (Patrick), nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousin Mary Ann Chambers. Patricia is predeceased by younger brother Garry Burkhart and her beloved aunt Sissy Chambers. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Pat was a National Merit Scholar, and graduated from Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans in 1967, and studied Fashion Design and English at Washington University in St. Louis. Pat was highly talented and creative, whether she was designing clothing, jewelry, stained glass, writing or producing content for screenplays, books, film, or news media, as well as being a book editor and coach. Pat was an award winning journalist and medical reporter and freelance writer and editor. She spoke Italian fluently, and loved languages, and enjoyed gardening, films, rockhounding and gourmet food, and her many friends. Pat had a gentle heart and an irrepressible sense of humor. Due to the pandemic situation, a memorial service and celebration of Pat's life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pat's name to the Ferndale Food Bank or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Please visit Jernsfh.com to sign the book of memories and leave your condolences for the family.