Karen Johnson Smith, 85, of Orange, beloved wife of the late Donald Cary Smith, passed away on July 3, 2017. Karen was born on July 18, 1931 to the late Frederick and Dorothy Johnson.

Karen graduated from Hillhouse High School in New Haven, class of 1949. She married Donald C. Smith in 1949 and had seven children. Karen was an avid swimmer, an accomplished diver, champion badminton player and a competitive bridge player. She had a special love for children and children with special needs. She loved working in the Orange School System for over 30 years. On the orthopedic floor of Yale-New Haven Hospital, she was a cherished employee loved by many for her infectious smile and willingness to do her job. Karen recently retired from the hospital after over 30 years.

Karen leaves behind her children, Deborah Smith of McLean, VA, Tina Bodnar of Chesapeake, VA, Kristin Wall of Mystic, CT, Andrew Smith and Christopher Smith of Orange, CT and Gretchen Smith of Bethany, CT. She also leaves four grandsons, one granddaughter, and one great-grandson. In addition to her parents and husband, Karen was predeceased by her son, Donald Cary Smith, Jr. and her brother, Harvey Johnson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Ln., Orange, CT. Burial will be private at a later date. The family is being compassionately cared for by the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT.