Patricia S. “Trish” Tankersley Smith
Born July 12, 1963
Patricia S. Tankersley Smith, age 50, of Bear, DE passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 3, 2013, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer.
Trish was born in Boston, MA on July 12, 1963, and was a daughter of the late Marvin O. Tankersley and Patricia Trevor Tankersley. The family later moved to Newark, DE and she was raised in the Brookside Park community. After graduating from Glasgow High School, Trish attended the University of Delaware, where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She began her career as a registered nurse at the Crozer Medical Center, where she worked in the burn unit for 13 years. Trish spent the last 5 years working as a medical records letter coordinator for Executive Health Resources in Newtown Square, PA. She honorably served her country in the Air National Guard in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Trish greatly valued her friends and loved having coffee talk with them whenever possible. Those who knew her knew how much she appreciated the little things in life, like feeding the birds around her home and playing in the pool with her dogs. In her leisure time, Trish enjoyed trips to New York City and Ocean City, MD, shopping, and playing board and card games. She was an avid Eagles fan and a huge admirer of Marilyn Monroe. Above all else, Trish will be remembered by her family and friends as a gentle-hearted, kind, and compassionate individual, who will be dearly missed by all.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved pets, Casey and Shelby. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Scott E. Smith; sister, Sheila Burg; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Jeanett Smith; a host of nieces and nephews; and her faithful canine companion, Buddy.
A funeral service will be held at 6 pm on Friday, November 8, 2013, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where friends may call from 4 pm until 6 pm. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Helen F. Graham Cancer Center c/o Christiana Care, P.O. Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899.
Jo Ann Miller
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard but always near
Still loved , still missed and very dear.
RIP Beautiful Trisha and Thank you for loving Scotty so much
Colleen Bowers
I am so sorry for your loss. Trish was such a courageous and kind hearted person! I always felt like more of a friend then her P.T. We would enjoy coffee together after she completed her sessions and she loved talking about Scott and her trips to Ocean City. She is now our Beautiful Angel.
Colleen Bowers
I am so sorry for your loss. Trish was such a courageous and kind hearted person! I always felt like more of a friend then her P.T. We would enjoy coffee together after she completed her sessions and she loved talking about Scott and her trips to Ocean City. She is now our Beautiful Angel. I was truly blessed to have met her and have been a part of her life.
Jennifer Kirby
I am so saddened to hear that Trish is no longer with us. Trish and I deployed together during Desert Shield/Storm. We arrived in the dead of night and the heat was unbearable. As we headed for the showers the next morning , Trish was so worried about how to color her hair with the multiple Scud alerts that required us to put out chemical gear on! When I think of Trish, her smile and vivacious personality brings a huge smile to my face. She was a joy to all!
Jennifer Kirby
Donna Godek
Scott, Tony and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Though I only knew Trish for a short time, she made me smile. We talked laughed and prayed together. One day, all the joy and love she brought to you, will ease the pain that is so overwhelming right now.
She touched my life immensely, Her beautiful spirit will remain with me always.
Wendy Kirwan
I am so sad to hear of your passing. You were one of the best parts of my military days and serving in Desert Storm. You will be missed by so many people. May you rest in peace.
May your family take comfort in knowing you were such a lovely, giving woman.
Bonnie l Perdue
Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss.Trish was such a beautiful person inside and out. I remember her from Bunco and holiday and family get togethers. She was so gracious and kind to me. She was a very brave person, and I will miss her. I,ll always have good memories of Trish. If I can do anything for you, please let me know. My heart is with you and so are my prayers.
Deb Kamermans
I am so sorry for your loss. I meet Trish when she joined the De ANG. I have great memories of training exercises and our deployment to Desert Storm. We were all proud of her when she became a flight nurse. Trish always was locking out for us, especially when it was hot and we needed water to keep hydrated. We will miss you.
Jim Leydon
I am sad to hear of Trish’s passing. I pray that she is at peace and that her family finds solice in their memories of her. God bless.
Maddox
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one and send you my sincere condolences. The passing of a loved one can leave us feeling lost and heartbroken. But I’ve found very comforting words in God’s word, the Bible. At Psalms 55:22, God promises to sustain those who throw their burden upon Him. God will also do away with death all together as brought out at Revelation 21:4. The bible also holds out the hope of a resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in death at Acts 24:15. May Jehovah, the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3,4), comfort you in your time of need. Heartfelt prayers are with your family.