Pauline Victoria Smetka

Pauline Victoria Smetka, a vibrant, joyful disciple of Jesus Christ, left this life on March 8, 2024 after a brief illness. She was born on December 30, 1953 to Carl and Bernadette Smetka.

A Seattleite since the age of 13, she attended the University of Washington receiving her Bachelor's Degree in 1976 and her Juris Doctorate in 1980. Upon becoming a member of the Washington Bar, she transitioned from her paralegal job at Helsell Fetterman Law Firm to an associate attorney. At that time there were few women lawyers and even fewer who practiced insurance defense and construction law. She was made a partner in 1987 and in 2015 became the firm's first female Senior Partner. She retired from her law practice in 2018. Her junior colleagues remeber her as an excellent and patient mentor.

Pauline married Patrick White on June 26, 1999. It was a delight to be welcomed to their home, "Red Cote", whether it was for a backyard picnic, Boxing Day dinner, bible study, or just to visit. Their guest bed was available to many friends when needed. Pauline's friends enjoyed her sharp wit, wonderful sense of humor and true friendship.

Pauline made meaningful and lasting community contributions in many capacities including cofounder and former president of the Seattle Infant Development Center and a member of the Women's University Club. A talented seamstress, she sewed many of her own clothes and made dresses for the Dress a Girl program.

Pauline's faith and activity in the St. James catholic community was the core of her life. She was president of the St. Vincent de Paul society at St. James Cathedral. She ministered to others with joy, humility and respect and recognized the reality of Christ's love for her and everyone else. She never gave up on anyone or anything.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Patrick White; sisters, Charlene and Suzette Smetka; and many beloved cousins and good friends too numerous to count.

We mourn for our loss and her physical presence but find comfort and peace knowing of her personal relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ and a life spent in service to him through her service to others.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:30am at

St. James Cathedral

804 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

A reception will follow the services.