Karen Smith

Karen Smith, 70, wife of the late Carl N. Smith, Sr. passed away May 18, 2023 at Hartford Hospital after a brief illness.

Born March 4, 1953, the daughter of the late Silas Hersh and Gloria Markette Hersh, Karen was a 1971 graduate of Ansonia High School, lifelong Ansonia resident and parishioner of Holy Rosary Church. She was a member of the Derby & Seymour Senior Centers and a longtime member of the Valley Heart Club and Ansonia-Derby Junior Women’s Club, where she found many lifelong friends that became family to her.

Karen was employed as an office manager for local Optometrist Martin Passaro for 22 years until her retirement in 2007.

Throughout her life she was very active in her children’s activities and supporting their schools, volunteering and organizing fundraisers at St Mary’s and St Michael’s Schools, and Emmett O’Brien High School.

She had fond memories of her time serving as a docent at the David Humphreys House in Ansonia, and the Osborne Homestead in Derby. She was a fan of all things Disney, enjoyed country music and was an active country line dancer for many years.

Karen is survived by a son, Carl Smith Jr., (Liz) of Madison, a daughter Erin Discko (Lou) of Ansonia, and four beloved grandchildren, Carl Smith III, Sabrina, Abigail and Benjamin Discko. She is also survived by her brother, Nicholas Hersh (Cheryl) of Monroe and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St., Ansonia. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 1 at 10:00 a.m. from the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.