Karen Kathleen Smith

She was born on March 17, 1942, in Kingsford, daughter of the late Erland and Mary “Cleo” (Kernan) Johnson. Karen was a graduate of Kingsford High School, Class of 1960. She worked in the offices of W.B. Thompson and Kingsford Broach & Tool before her retirement in 1996.

In 1963, Karen married Urban Jack Smith at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this past June. Karen had a strong faith and was a long-time member of American Martyrs Parish. She was an accomplished seamstress and there was no task too large. Her hobbies included baking, crafts, crocheting, shopping, getting coffee with friends and traveling. Karen was devoted to her family, ALWAYS lending a helping hand and support. She loved attending her grandchildren’s events and hosting family for holidays, particularly Christmas.

Karen will be deeply missed by her husband, Jack; children, Joanne (Walt) Howard and Michael (Maria) Smith; granddaughters, Jenna and Carlie Howard, and Camila, Nicole, and Natasha Smith; sister, Carole (Wayne) Boerger; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John (Mary) Brooks, Darlene Chartier and Cindy (Steve) Carey; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Karen is preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Brooks; and brothers-in-law, James Haddad and Donald Chartier.

Visitation will be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Kingsford Funeral Home, 1000 S. Carpenter Ave., on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at American Martyrs Catholic Church with Msgr. Joseph Gouin officiating. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery.

Karen’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Evergreen Meadows for their excellent care and compassion.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Karen Kathleen Smith online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.