Caroline B. (Foster) Smith – 96, of Wakefield and formerly of North Reading, passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Carroll O. Smith.
Born in Winchester, MA, on September 28, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Harold P. and Frances M. (Merriam) Foster. A former resident of North Reading for over 85 years, she attended North Reading Schools and was a graduate of Reading High School, Class of 1943. She later earned a Certificate as a Professional Librarian from the Massachusetts Board of Public Library Commissioners in 1966.
Caroline started her career as a bookkeeper at State Street Bank in Boston. After marrying and having children, she began working part-time for the North Reading Public Library. In 1973 she took a full-time job with the Eastern MA Regional Library System full time and spent 18 enjoyable years traveling to small-town libraries on the North Shore as a bookmobile librarian.
Caroline and her husband loved to travel and, after retirement, traveled all over the globe meeting new friends on those trips. They were avid gardeners featured in garden club tours. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone needing help. For many years with their neighbors, they grew and sold plants to raise money to buy gifts for needy children in the Boston area.
Caroline was the longest active member of the Union Congregational Church in North Reading for 83 years and a member of its Faith Circle. She found friendship and faith from her participation in its church services and activities. Kind and generous is how Caroline was described by all who knew her. She loved the challenge of playing all types of games from cribbage to bridge. Always beautifully dressed, she enjoyed attending live theatre and dinners out with friends and family. She adored her family and provided encouragement and support in all their undertaking.
She is survived by her son, Alan Smith, and his wife Barbara of Reading and her daughter, Brenda Smith of Belfast, Maine; brothers, Thomas Foster of Littleton, CO and Frank Foster of Dover, DE; two grandchildren, Alyssa Labrecque and Meryl Sullivan and five great-grandchildren.
Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:00 AM at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street in North Reading. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 19 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street in North Reading. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to: The Friends of North Reading Parks/Ipswich River Park, 235 North St. N.Reading 01864 or to the charity of one’s choice.
