In Loving Memory
The Vanaver Caravan mourns the loss of two lifelong friends: Pat Smiley Guralnik and Gerow Smiley.
Words from Livia:
Pat was on our Board of Advisors for many years. She and her husband, Robert Guralnik started the Festival of Arts at Mohonk, which her daughter, Maria, continues to curate and host and where The Vanaver Caravan performs each summer. Pat's brother, Gerow Smiley, who was on our Board of Directors in the 80’s passed away just last week at age 99.
Gerow Smiley Obituary
Patricial Smiley Guralnik Obituary:
Patricia Smiley Guralnik was born on August 29, 1936 in a family home at Lake Mohonk in New Paltz, the last child of Rachel Orcutt and Francis Smiley. As a child, the hotel grounds were Pat’s playground, including climbing on the roof for fun and running up the famed “Labyrinth” trail to Skytop, her cocker spaniel in tow. Her playmates were children of employees and guests, though she spent much time alone with her imagination and books.
She attended Westtown Friends School for high school, where she once adventured to Manhattan to see a show without permission and had to sign a book every hour when she returned. Patricia received a teaching degree from Plattsburg State Teachers College and had a short career as a teacher for gifted children. She had an innate love of animals and compassion for people, particularly those who suffered. So much so, that when she finally met the man she would marry, pianist Robert Guralnik, a good friend asked her “what’s wrong with him?”.
They were married at her family home in December, 1959 not long after Robert’s first performance at Mohonk. They settled in Cornwall, NY in nearby Orange County, and raised three daughters. Their bohemian circle of friends included artists, actors, musicians and educators with social evenings often ending in impromptu concerts and games. Patricia returned to school in her 40s to obtain a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
She was employed by Sylcox Nursing Home (later Elant) in Newburgh for 30 years, where she was known for her light spirit, sense of humor and genuine care for the residents. Following the death of Robert in 1996, Patricia took over the management of the Festival of the Arts at Mohonk, a summer entertainment series that she and Robert co-founded in 1989. Though not someone who relished speaking in front of crowds, Patricia committed to continuing her family legacy of hosting first-class music and entertainment at Mohonk.
Patricia was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 78. Retiring from the festival, she continued to cultivate friendships in High Falls, where she moved to be close to her two eldest daughters and their families. She could frequently be found at the Egg’s Nest and the Last Bite, where her open face and sympathetic ear drew many into conversation. Patricia most prized her ability to make people laugh, often by unexpectedly sharp comments, and a certain “wild card” quality. Based on her Quaker upbringing, it often surprised people to discover that Pat loved to gamble, playing BlackJack and slots at Atlantic City and Vegas, where she earned fancy rooms at the Bellagio. In her final years, Pat lived at the Culinarian’s home in New Paltz, where she took the lead in prompting afternoon board games and enjoyed playing bridge with a committed group in New Paltz.
Patricia was, above all, a caring soul with a wry wit and quiet clarity who adored cats, margaritas, music and parties. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 30, 2021. A a fiercely proud mother and grandmother, she is survived by her three daughters: Maria Guralnik and Louisa Finn of High Falls, NY, and Susan Guralnik of Los Angeles, CA; her devoted sons-in-law: Sevan Melikyan and Joshua Finn; as well as three grandsons: August and Ezra Finn, and Robert Melikyan.
She will be greatly missed.
