Karen Joan Smith

Karen Joan Christy Smith, age 82, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 23, 2025. Throughout her final time with us, Karen stayed true to her optimistic being. Full of buoyant life and love for her family and dear friends, Karen never wavered from her selfless ways. Her giving and generous nature was legendary from Pittsburgh to Capitola. Love of all things musical, from the subtle sounds of Sergio Mendes to the folk-rock of Peter, Paul and Mary, Karen was always found singing a song and playing her air piano.

Moving to Capitola, CA with her husband Jack in the mid 70's, Karen began teaching at the Mountain School as a long-term substitute. Due to her competence, reliability, and amiability, she became a frequent sub for all the teachers. She was famous for cooking special dishes for their retirement and birthday parties, that would prompt requests for her recipes. Karen also became a valuable member of the Santa Cruz County League of Women Voters, serving on their program committee.

She participated in many community singing groups including Lou Rose, Paula Bliss and the Mid County Senior Center Choraliers. Attending concerts of many different styles of music, her SUV became a mini-concert hall with friends. Even her frequent exercise classes with Fun With Fitness and Silver Sneakers, the right music always prompted her to harmonize while working out. Karen was an artist's assistant for four years during Open Studios and traveled with a friend to Italy for an art workshop in the mountains of Tuscany. She loved traveling whenever she could, cruising around countries on the Mediterranean Sea twice. We remember her generosity, quick wit, humor, kindness, thoughtfulness and love of her lap-cat Min. She will be greatly missed by many.

Karen was born in 1942 to Frank and Irene Christy in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. She was a proud graduate of Penn Hills High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her elementary school teaching days branched from New Kensington, PA to Soquel, CA.

Karen's husband, Jack, and her beloved sister, Rosemary Neely, preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother, Frank Christy (Marylyn) and nieces, Melissa Barr (Kevin); Sarah Anthony (Robert); and nephews Robert Neely; Philip Christy (Yoomie); and Erik Sarson. Also, her closest cousin, Pat Clark (CPFA) from Arizona.

Friends will be received Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 1 pm at Oakwood Chapel Paul Sweet Road Santa Cruz CA 95062. A short service will be held with light refreshments to follow.

"My grief and I traveled down paths and byways for awhile

We searched for a guide, an atlas, a map to direct us towards

A safe haven, a harbor, an inlet where we could rest and reflect

Far past the hamlets named Fear and Longing

A ray of forgiveness carried me on, alone"

Donations, in her honor, may be made to: Habitat for Humanity, Grey Bears, The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanical Garden, or the Teen Kitchen Project