Patricia Smaby

She had boundless energy, and even in her 90s, most people couldn’t keep up with her. While she slowed down a bit towards the end, both on foot and in her driving, her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor were as strong as ever.

Pat was an avid traveler. Always enjoying the company of other enthusiastic travelers, she ventured out on road trips across the U.S.A., took dozens of cruises overseas, visiting and exploring six of the seven continents on boats, trains, bikes, and even by foot.

During her earlier outings, Pat traveled as a tourist, stopping to visit for a day or two and then moving on to the next town. Once she met John, they headed out to places not normally associated with tourism, like Azerbaijan, Mongolia and Namibia, usually staying for months at a time while John continued his career.

She thoroughly enjoyed this exposure to new cultures — shopping in the area supermarkets, visiting with locals and expats, and exploring all the regional sites. When she first arrived in Baku and found the dirty, dingy apartment was located on the fourth floor (with no elevator), she stated “I’m not staying in this dump,” but by the morning she reconsidered and said, “What the hell, I’m here.” She then proceeded to have a grand time as a guest of the British Petroleum wives who were eager to have some new blood in their group.

She made lasting friends everywhere she went, from old pals in Iron Mountain to new friends throughout the world. Along with being a Life Master bridge player, she and John were learned members of the “Coasters,” an international trivia (and drinking) team aboard cruises on the Azmara.

She leaves behind a home full of mementos for her family to sort through. An amateur hoarder, Pat liked collecting trinkets from her many travels, always keeping an eye out for Christmas and birthday presents for her friends and relatives.

Pat had no problem parting with her “things” — she just couldn’t find enough takers for them all. A family tradition was to always bring something home with you after visiting her; hugely popular among the grandkids, less so for their parents.

She is survived by husband John Corson of Mesa, Ariz.; sons Steve (Shelley) of Cleveland, N.M., Mike (Mary) of Wild Rose, Wis., David of Norway, Pete (Tim) of Appleton, Wis., and Joe (Laurie) of Jenison, Minn.; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous cousins; stepchildren and great stepchildren; brother Bill (M’Lou) of Spokane, Wash.; and son-in-law Dan of Grand Marais, Minn.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, William and Blanche Safranek of Winona, Minn.; her first husband, James Smaby of Iron Mountain; and daughter Karen of Grand Marais, Minn.

At this time no services will be held.

The family has entrusted the care of the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.