Carolyn Smith Davies (88) of Bedford, Massachusetts, died peacefully at Lahey Hospital on February 5, 2026. Her 4 children were with her at the time of her death, as she wanted.

Carolyn loved life and was a lifelong learner. She was eternally positive and full of energy for her children and grandchildren. And she also gave her time, treasure, and talent wherever she lived. (Middletown, CT; Ripon, WI; Fresno, CA; Long Beach, CA; and Concord, MA). She was involved in the Los Niños Hospital Guild in California and the League of Women Voters in Concord. She contributed to various other non-profit organizations, including registering new voters and serving as an arbitrator for juvenile offenders.

Carolyn was an avid knitter and sports fan. One of her last conversations was about tennis. She enjoyed trivia and jokes and maintained her sense of humor and bright smile. Carolyn had many friends and family who will miss her deeply.

Carolyn was born in Concord, Massachusetts, on March 28, 1937, to Maude A. and Harold C. Smith. She attended Concord Academy, where she was popular, mischievous, and recognized as a leader. After high school, she went to Smith College, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1959.

Carolyn met Kent C. Davies when they both worked as counselors at Camp Red Fox in New Hampshire. They courted long-distance during the rest of Carolyn's college career. She and Kent were married in Concord after she graduated from Smith. The family moved to Middletown, Connecticut, then to Ripon, Wisconsin, and ten years later to Fresno, California.

After Kent died in 1986, Carolyn returned to Concord, where she lived until a stroke in October 2023 required her to move to Carleton-Willard Village in Bedford.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, Miriam; her brother, Lewis; her husband, Kent; and her parents, Harold and Maude Smith. She is survived by her 4 children, Tom, Ellen, Anne, and Lynn, and 6 grandchildren, Morgan, Connor, Chris, Kenter, Alex, and Reed.

A memorial service to celebrate Carolyn's life will be held at a later date.

Instead of flowers, please donate in Carolyn's name to one of these organizations: NPR , Concord Academy , Smith College , or the Perkins School for the Blind .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.