Birth date: Sep 6, 1952 Death date: Sep 22, 2014
Karmen Lael Holley Smith (born September 6, 1952) passed away on September 22 from metastatic breast cancer. She was a spontaneous traveler and adventurer who made friends everywhere she went. She will be missed by many. As her w Read Obituary
I worked with Karmen for many years in the Geography Department. What a special light she was to all who knew her!
Dear Laurie and family, I just heard today about Karmen's passing. I was one of Karmen's original BYU roommates and we had some fun crazy times. I was even able to stay in Cannonville with you and Grammy for a few days. Please know my love and prayers are with you. My thoughts are also of Karmen being with her dad at this time!
Dear Aunt Laurie, and Karmen's children.
I find I have no contact information (phone number, e-mail address) for you guys, and would like to get in touch. Please email or call (435-673-8963), Thanks, Doug
We remember when she used to play her accordion at Bryce. She was always such a bright spirit. Best Wished to all of you as you go through this.
Karmen was an intrepid traveler from toddlerhood. She, Grammy, Laurie, Mom & I drove our 1950's Chevy up through the northwest to Banff & Lake Louise. Can't recall our exact ages. Karmen was walking, but not far nor fast. Along the way, she serenaded us with her very own composition: "My bottle is empty, the milk is all gone...." As we walked together through the shopping district of one small town en route, she caught sight of something in a store window and raced towards it crying, "WOOGIE, WOOGIE, WOOGIE!" (That would be "looky", for the uninitiated.) She had spotted the green stuffed frog that would become her constant companion on the trip and for some time afterwards. Yes, I think she evidenced a love of creations animate and inanimate from the first. Few have turned that love into action as successfully. Such a good example to me.
So sorry to hear about your mom, Mike. She sounds like a terrific and way fun person. Probably why you turned out so awesomely cool.
Hugs, Lori
Dear Smith Family and Mother Laurie, It is difficult saying farewell to a dear friend and a beautiful human being that has left us way too soon. As she roamed the beautiful red rocks of southern Utah I think she took the red dust and sprinkled in her hair . She had the most beautiful red hair! She left you a great legacy in this I hope you find peace in the plan of salvation. God bless you her dear children, grandchildren and her dear mother Laurie, too. With much love and sympath.
Deepest condolences. I have fond memories of Karmen as an instructor in the BYU Geography Department while I was a student in the early 90s. Lots of energy and enthusiasm for teaching, for geography, and for the incredible world we live in. She will be missed.
So sorry for the loss of someone so young and talented.
One of the best decisions I made as dean of Humanities at BYU was hiring Karmen as my...let's see: assistant; adviser; counselor; cheerleader; office manager; organizer; and so much else. She had so many capabilities and everything she did was done so well. Her passion for the earth, for integrity and genuineness, for family--that fierce, redheaded enthusiasm infused every moment of her life. I love her and miss her greatly. Deepest sympathy to all who mourn her passing to the perfect La Push up in the sky.
