COLONIE - Carole Edie Smith of Colonie, NY, wife mother, Nanny, sister, and artist, passed peacefully in her sleep on December 31, 2023.
Born April 12, 1939, in Brooklyn NY to Lottie Locke and John Edie and later moved to the Capital Region. Her parents opened Edie’s Diner which became a fixture on Central Avenue for years. Carole served in all capacities at the diner until the early 70’s. It was during her time at the diner that she met the love of her life, John ‘Red’ Smith. That was the beginning of a life together
that lasted over 66 years.
Always a lifetime learner, Carole graduated from Colonie Central HS in 1957 and continued her education eventually receiving her Master’s Degree from the College of St. Rose. Carole blended her love of learning and theater, art, and music as a teaching artist for ESYTI, NYSTI, Theatre Voices and
Steamer 10 for many years. She touched the lives of thousands of young people through her performances and her classroom teaching. As a performer, Carole spread her magic across the USA and across the world performing in Russia, Israel, Italy, Sweden, and Jordan. Carole also appeared in television commercials and narrated audiobooks. Carole’s thirst for knowledge also led to her many accomplishments outside of the theater. She was a painter, a Master Gardener, a knitter, a seamstress, and a Reiki Practitioner. There is nothing that she put her mind and her hands to that she didn’t do well. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Carole realized that she was the ultimate people person. She loved meeting, talking, and getting to know new friends. Always in the moment, she made them feel
immediately seen, heard, and valued. It was her superpower. You know the fun would begin when Carole arrived.
At the heart of Carole’s life was the family that she and Red created over 66 years. Surviving to cherish her memory are husband Red and her sisters Arlene Lent and June (John) Mabee, her sister in law Mary Lou Brown and her brother in law Brother Alfred J. Smith, CM, Her children Dawn (Mike) Przekurat, Theresa Smith (Arnie Buell), Steve (Paula) Smith and Amy (Dan) Machold called her ‘Mom’ but also knew her as their biggest cheerleader! Carole was loved and adored by her grandchildren Jamie, Jason, Morgan, and Nick as well as her great-grandchildren Jaxon, Asha, and Penelope. She was lovingly known as Aunt Carole to her many nieces and nephews. Carole was pre-deceased by her sister Joan and her beloved grandson Jimmy.
May we honor her memory by being more like Carole and see the beauty of the people and world around us every day.
Carole’s family would like to express their gratitude to the compassionate staff of Mohawk Trail at the Glendale Nursing Home.
In Remembrance, donations can be made in Carole Smith’s name to:
Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, NY 12047
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.