Born in Tampa, FL Patti was part of an Air Force family and lived in New York, Alabama, and Japan. She graduated from St. Margret Mary Catholic School, Bishop Moore High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology, as well as a Teacher Certification as a Reading Specialist from the University of Central Florida. After residing in Portland, Maine and starting a family, she made Central Florida her home and was an active parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church since 1982.
Patti retired from a 32-year career with Orange County Public Schools at Lake Sybelia Elementary as an Interpreter in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department for children ages three to 5th grade. Patti had compassion, a passion and vision for these students. Upon receiving grants, she implemented a Virtual Reality program, which enhanced their education and exposure to the world. She valued all the staff in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department and Lake Sybelia as her colleagues, friends, and extended family.
Patti was the most loving, kind, tender-hearted, gracious and giving mother, grandmother, friend, and teacher. Her priority was family. She loved spending time with her daughter’s family, which included her grandsons Holden and Rowan who were the joy of each other’s lives. She was the family historian and left behind countless treasured photographic memories. Her legacy of love, dedication to family and devout faith will live through all who knew her.
Predeceased in death by her father, James Furino, Patti is survived by her daughter: Brianna Smithey (husband Jim) and grandsons Holden (6) and Rowan (2), her mother Margaret Furino, sister Susan Furino, brother Bruce Furino (wife Robin and nephew Brett), brother James and his family,
aunts, cousins and extended family.
Private services will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a mass in her memory would be appreciated. All remembrances and donations should be made to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, FL.
The family would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers, caring support and kind words during this difficult time - they have been greatly appreciated.
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