Service Details
Due to the pandemic a private service will take place for the immediate family only on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
However, you may watch via livestream by clicking on this link at 4:00 p.m. https://youtu.be/kZAllFisbhc
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested to the Philanthropic Educational Organization Scholarship Fund, 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312 or the Wisconsin Humane Society of Racine 8900 16th St. Sturtevant, WI 53177.
Carla L. Smith, 77, passed away at Froedtert Hospital-Wauwatosa on Thursday, January 6, 2022. She was born in Kenosha on February 21, 1944, the daughter of the late Lester J. and Lucille M. (nee: Wyman) Wells.
Carla graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School and later, Carthage College. On August 12, 1967, in Grace Church, Kenosha, she was united to Duane D. Smith. Carla had been employed by the Racine Unified School District, where she taught music and voice.
Carla was a member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Wisconsin and Racine Retired Educators, the International Chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), Our Harmony Club Inc. and the International Society of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Carla enjoyed singing, playing the piano, traveling, camping, dog sitting, playing Mahjong and was an avid Packer Fan!
Surviving are her beloved husband, Duane; nieces and nephews, James (Debra) Wells, of Kenosha, Julia Wells, of Union Grove, Susan Wells, Barbara (Mark) Grandusky, all of Palmyra, PA, and Debbie (Ken) Morita, of Kailua, Hawaii; great nieces and nephews, Ashley, Alexandra, Penelope, Benjamin, Keo and Emma; two sisters-in-law, Diana Wells, of Palmyra, PA, and Dawn Wells, of Union Grove. In addition to her parents, Carla was preceded in death by two brothers, Lester W. Wells and Rodger C. Wells.
Cathleen Holmes says
I am so sorry to hear about Carla’s passing. She was a delightful person and teacher while we worked at Fine Arts Elementary back in the 80’s. My sympathy to her family.
Sue Buffham says
From the golf course to the bridge table our times together were just right. I will always remember her great sense of humor and beautiful smile.
Paula Gardina says
Carla was a treasured friend, former colleague and neighbor and such a fun person. I miss her but am so grateful for all the fun we had together and that I was lucky enough to have had her in my life.
Anonymous says
I am so sorry to learn of Carla’s passing. We shared “Little Sisters” in the big/little sister program as well as both being educators. My deepest sympathy, Duane. You two sharing an inspiring and loving relationship. Blessings to you.
Joanne Hoornstra says
Dear Sweet Carla! We so sad to see of your passing this morning. I loved singing in choir with you at MPLC. I know you’ll be singing in Heaven in our Lords choir. I’ll truly miss you!
Marc Wollman says
We will miss you very much.
GLADYS BOWEN says
GLADYS SMITH BOWEN
CARLA WAS THE MOST LOVING ‘CARING PERSON
I HAVE EVER MET. THE SMITH FAMILY L OVED HER DEARLY.
SHE WILLBE MISSED
Pam Jones says
Carla was such a wonderful and fun loving gal. I always enjoyed any time we together. She will be missed.
Naomi Waisman-Zabler says
When Carla worked at Fine Arts, the Choir sang like angels. They all watched her attentively, and gave their best. She motivated and inspired them. I was so impressed with her teaching.
Sue Cawley says
Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like Carla. She was the best of the best. I will miss her terribly, I have 50 years of memories and just thinking about them makes me smile!
Thank you Duane for taking such good care of her. Now she is at peace!
Anne Fox Swanson says
Carla and Duane were the music and gym teachers at Hansche School when I started teaching in 1972. They were the heart and soul of the school. They helped us new teachers in so many ways. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace amen.
Susan Anderson Ford says
When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you will see that, in truth, you are weeping for that which has been your delight. -K. Gibran
I also taught at Hansche School in the mid-1970’s with Carla and Duane. They were great teachers, and a great couple. They were fun-loving and made us laugh. Peace.
Bill and Linda Sasse says
Our most sincere condolences to the family. Carla was such a sweet soul and will be missed by us deeply.
Susan Kiger says
My 3 daughters, Sara, Amy ,Beth, had her for music at Fine Arts. I thought she was a kind person and a great music teacher. My sincere sympathies. God’s peace
Mona Lewis says
Carla was a warm and lovely person and a terrific music educator. We were colleagues at Fine Arts for several years. Sorry that we lost contact after she left FA. I always admired her. My most sincere sympathy to Duane.
Dawn Bremel says
I’m so sad to hear of Carla’s death. She was such a sweetheart and a wonderful singer and director. David and Carla worked together to make beautiful music. My prayers and sympathy to you Duane.
Martha (Dobke) Netzloff says
My older sister and I both attended Fine Arts and were in choir with Mrs. Smith. I’m now a teacher and I have thought of her so many times throughout the years as I started my own choir at Mitchell Elementary, and as the music director of my elementary school’s music production in Madison. And every year at Christmas I think of the packets of carols she used to pass out for us in Music class. We loved her. She was wonderful!
Kim Reardon says
Aunt Carla will be dearly missed, she was loved very much!
Mike & Cheryl Kothe says
We are sending our deepest sympathy to you. We will miss seeing Carla on your drives around the neighborhood. Cherish all the special memories!
Diana Wells says
Much more than a sister-in-law, Carla was a very dear friend.
I remember and treasure the laughs we shared. I trust that her parents and brothers are with her in heaven.
Kay Krause says
I’m so sorry to learn of Carla’s passing. I got to know Carla and Duane when they were members of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. After the church services, we had a chance to talk and a few times Carla and I golfed together.
Judith Powell says
Carla u were a wonderful musician and music teacher. We were music majors at Carthage and worked for Racine Unified. I will remember u forever. Judy Powell
Jamie McCauley says
Carla was my teacher at Hansche where I knew as a child how special she was. She remained my favorite teacher of all time and was thought of often during my school years and into adulthood. I was so thankful to reconnect with her about 18 years ago and enjoyed her company so much during our many lunches out. My condolences to your family and Duane. Please know my heart breaks with yours. I know she was loved and admired by so many and will be deeply missed.
Joe Cuccio says
Mr. Smith, I am so sorry to hear of Carla’s passing.. Please accept our condolences.
Thom and Susan Bowen says
Dear Duane. Thom and I are heartbroken to hear of Carla’s passing. Such a delightful, giving person and so easy to love. We shared many laughs sitting together in choir. Our deepest sympathies we give to you.
Vicki Gabbey says
I am so sorry to read of Mrs . Smith passing. She was one of my teachers a long time ago and always had a smile on her face and so kind. As I got older, I would see Mr and Mrs. Smith walking in the mall as I worked there. I am so sorry for your loss!
Evie Gerum says
Duane, so sorry we have lost Carla; she was such a treasure. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Peace and God’s Blessings.
Carol, Rick, and David Smith says
So sorry to read of your loss, Duane. Prayers.
Julie Trafton, Racine Pi Chapter member and Retired Art Teacher RUSD says
I knew Carla from Racine Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma — I remember her leading us in the Delta Kappa Gamma song and leading us in Christmas Carols during our December meeting — she had a great voice and was such a sweet person. Prayers for her family and friends.
John &Julie Freres says
We will miss that lovely smile and joyous laugh of Carla’s.I first met Carla and Duane at Hansche School.What a fun time we had in and out of school.We’ve had many years of great memories with Carla and Duane.Their marriage was truly a match made in Heaven.Although we wish we had more time with this lovely lady we are so very grateful to have had her in our lives.Keep that music coming from Heaven Carla.
Cheri Dargevics says
This beautiful person was my very favorite teacher at McKinley Jr. High, 1966-1969. She was encouraging and positive and was one teacher who made you feel like you mattered.
I am so sorry for your loss.