Carolyn Smith De Dionisio

On the afternoon of June 24, 2016, Carolyn Smith De Dionisio passed away peacefully at her assisted living residence, The Kensington Sierra Madre, after a brief illness. She was 97 years old.

Born Carolyn Dorritt Smith in Berkeley, CA on April 17, 1919, Carolyn was one of two children and the only daughter of the late Joseph Burritt Smith and Esther (Olin) Smith.

Carolyn experienced a life full of hard work and adventure. With degrees from Cal State LA, UCLA, and USC, she was a natural-born researcher and artistically inclined in countless ways. After 35 years as an elementary and middle-school teacher for LAUSD, she volunteered in a variety of capacities alongside her husband, the late Carl Lawrence De Dionisio, who served as a combat medic in WWII and Korea. Carolyn was also an active participant in the DAR. Married in Okinawa, the De Dionisios made their home in California, first in Van Nuys and then Encino. In retirement, the pair traveled the world, and visited all of the contiguous 48 states in their RV – beloved dog and cat in tow. In 2013, they moved into senior living. Carolyn and Carl were married for almost 66 years, until his death this past April.

Besides her husband, Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Glenn Olin Smith, and by many dear friends.

Carolyn is survived by her family in Arkansas: sister-in-law, Janie F. Smith; niece, Bonnie Smith Turner and her husband, Stephen; nephew, Steven Smith and his wife, Danielle; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. On her husband's side, Carolyn is survived by a plethora of nieces and nephews, including Carl's godson and nephew, Gordon Walk, and by Carl's great-grand nephew, Joshua Chase and his wife, Elizabeth Carlton Chase, who served as family advocates for the De Dionisios during their twilight years. Carolyn left behind many friends, old and new. All who had the privilege to know her adored her.

The family wishes to express special thanks to all those who provided love and support throughout the years, including most recently Carolyn and Carl's caregivers and friends, Rosenda Rendon and Mariano Blanco, and the staff of The Kensington, including Julie Lacey, RN, and Michael Gurevitch, MD.

Carolyn will be permanently memorialized at Oak Hall Memorial Park in San Jose, CA, and at Calvary Cemetery in Erie, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Junior Blind of America at www.juniorblind.org. Condolences and personal comments may be sent to PO Box 1304, Monrovia, CA 91017.