Arlene B. Smith

Arlene (Kip) Smith of Middletown, NY died June 25 at Garnet Health Medical Center from complications following a fall.  She was 93 years old and living independently. 

    Ms. Smith and her husband, Norman J. Smith, were enthusiastic hikers and mountain climbers, and had a trail name of the Old Goats. 

    Ms. Smith was born Arlene D. Bull in Lake Placid, NY on May 26, 1930.  Her parents were Seth and Alta Bull, and her father ran a general store.  She began college at University of Vermont and received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh.  She met her first husband, Edward M. Patnode, in Lake Placid.  They moved to Nyack, NY, where they raised four children. 

    She became increasingly interested in hiking and climbed the 46 highest peaks of the Adirondacks.  Separating from her husband, she met Norman Smith and continued traveling and hiking.  Their achievements included: Adirondack 46er, New England 111, the Western 15,000 Footers, 50 State Highpoints, a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, plus numerous other trails and international peaks. 

    She is survived by her children Michael Patnode, Mark (Juner) Patnode, Anne (Marc) Wilson, and Maggie (Timothy) Szeliga.  Her step-children are the late Andrew (Selena) Smith, Anne (Glenn) Mohler, Tammy (Russell) Howarth, and Penny (Tad) Guski.  She is also survived by a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Ms. Smith was predeceased by both her husbands and her brother, Donald R. Bull. 

    Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Cremation took place at the Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, NY.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arlene B. Smith, please visit our floral store.