She died October 11, 2019, at her home in Napa, California.
Catherine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a talented seamstress. She and her
young family immigrated to Southern California in 1964. She worked in the clothing industry
retiring in 1982 and moving to Apple Valley, CA with her second husband Leonard Schmutzler.
She and Leonard enjoyed traveling around the country.
After her second husband died, she moved to Bakersfield where she attended St. Philip the
Apostle Church, was active in the Women’s club, the Red Hats and the Ursuline Secular
Community.
She is preceded in deaths by her parents, Rene and Gertrude Smith, her siblings Albert,
Lawrence, Andre and Nicole, her husbands Ray LaRochelle and Leonard Schmutzler.
Catherine leaves behind four sons Marcel Smith, Daniel LaRochelle, Pierre LaRochelle and
Jacques LaRochelle, eight grandchildren and eleven great grand children.
The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful team of healthcare providers from Hospice
by the Bay, especially Ann, Patty and Pippa who lovingly cared for Catherine during her last
months.
In lieu of flowers, Remembrances may be made to a charity of the giver’s choice.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Hillcrest
Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 900 H Street,
Bakersfield, CA on October 24th at 10:00 am.
