YOAKUM: Patricia Ann “Pat” Smirak, 86, joined her heavenly family, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. She was born October 26, 1938, in Hallettsville to the late Frank and Julia (Mican) Sedlar.
She married Phillip J Smirak on September 1, 1973, and together they had four daughters. She was a homemaker for many years raising the girls, and then later she worked for St. Joseph School and St. Joseph Church as the church secretary. After many years, she retired to take care of Phillip when his health declined. Pat was remembered for her cooking and flower gardening. She had a green thumb and liked to try her hand at different plants. Pat enjoyed cooking for her entire family for Sunday lunches. She will always be remembered for her famous fried chicken, stew and pickles. Of all her hobbies, her grandkids and great grandkids were the loves of her life. She loved to spoil them and made many cherished memories together. During her later years, Pat faced many health challenges and will always be remembered as the strongest woman as she persevered through those obstacles.
Survivors are her daughters, Phyllis Jacobs (Jake), Pam Drozd (Steven), Peggy Park (Scott), Valerie Steffek (Jeff) and; 8 grandchildren, Lane Faust (Allyson), Blake Jacobs, Cody Faust (Taylor), Anna Steffek, Aiden Drozd, Drake Steffek, Kanin Jacobs and Addison Drozd; 2 great-grandchildren, Esme Faust and Rylan Faust; sister, Gladys Jiral (Bobby); brothers, Charles Sedlar (Julie), Ted Sedlar (Eleanor) and Julius Sedlar (Rosemary); numerous extended family and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Julia Sedlar; husband Phillip Smirak; brother Franklin Sedlar, sister Rosalie Kocian and grandsons, Bradyn Jacobs and Kolson Jacobs.
Rosary at 9:30 a.m. with Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Hallettsville.
Her pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Kolson and Bradyn Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Fund or St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank the staff at Yoakum Community Hospital, Dr. James Drost, Dr. Courtney Welch, Liz Jendrzey PA, Dalena Dekowski FNP and Amy Barton FNP for their sincerest compassion and going above and beyond for our mother during her health journey.