Carole Doreen Smith

Carole Doreen Smith joined in the arms of the Lord on February 3rd, 2018. Carole was born on May 25th, 1944 in Bronx, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothea and Henry Hinsch, her brother Robert Helms, her brother Theodore “Eddie” Hinsch, her beloved daughter Lisa Serrano, her cherished grandson Roland Corrales, her brother Richard Gordon, and her sister Connie Miranda along with far too many friends and family, with whom she is now dancing in the sky free of pain, and free of worry.

Carole was married for 55 years to the love of her life, Philip, with whom she raised 4 devoted daughters Lori Corrales, the late Lisa Serrano, Leeann Smith and Lynda Smith. She loved, fiercely protected and adored her girls until the very end.

Carole was blessed with 8 beautiful grandchildren- Veronica Shepherd (Brian), the late Roland Corrales III, Michael Serrano (Brittney), Kristi Manser (Patrick), Philip Smith (Nicole), Christopher Smith, Joey Serrano (Carissa), and Emma Manser (George), born in that order. She was the greatest Grandma to ever have lived and showed her love each and every day. She always had open arms, and a shoulder to lean on. She always prided herself as being the “cool grandma”.

Carole was also fortunate to have been blessed with 7 great grandchildren. Kayla, Jenna, Brayden, Jaiden, Karlysia, Easton, and Miliana. Oh, how she enjoyed her babies. She would light up when she was with them and they would run into her arms where she’d feel the love in return.

Carole was loved by so many. (She did not believe in the words “in-law”. There were no “in-laws” in the family). She was survived by her sister Sandra Melon (Don), Her brothers Joseph Gordon, and Juan Miranda, her sons Miguel Serrano, Billy Geier, and Bill O’Reily, as well as her many nieces and nephews: To name a few, Robert Hinsch (Wendy), Michael Hinsch (Becky), Edward Hinsch (Monica), Linda Hinsch, Matthew Hinsch (Emily) along with their children; Nieces Rachel Choksey (Sheelin), Jenna Mellon, Amy Bowling (Nathan) along with their children; And many more nieces, nephews cousins, friends and loved ones- far too many to name them all.

And of course, we would not forget her best friend, confidant, sister Kitty Folk, with whom shared lots of love, laughs and so many wonderful memories. And her great friend of 55 years, Pat Ginsberg, with whom she had lifelong memories full of laughter and fun!

Carole worked in the insurance industry most of her life, finally retiring from USAA at the young age of 55. She made many lifelong friends while working there. Although she was retired, she remained a vessel of knowledge for friends and family whenever they needed advice about anything related to insurance or property claims. She loved her job, loved working “Cat” duties (Climbing roofs was no big deal for her!!) and loved working for USAA.

Carole touched the lives of everyone she met. She exuded love, compassion, and kindness. She had her faith which brought her through many rough patches in life. When she was having a moment- whether it was sadness, fear or anxiety, she would sing “Jesus Loves Me”. Because she knew that He did, in fact love her. And He was always by her side.

Carole had wonderful doctors, who genuinely cared about her, her health, and her wellbeing. She adored her Cardiologist Vasco Marques, and her pulmonologist Mark Smith, both of whom worked tirelessly to keep mom happy and healthy as long as possible. She was blessed to have had them by her side through the years.

She had so much fun with her friends and family. Her laugh was infectious. She will be missed. But her memory will live on within us. She will always be loved, and cherished. She taught all of us the act of love, the feeling of compassion, and the works of kindness. Not a day will go by that her teachings will go unnoticed.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association.