Carolyn Smith Davies, 88
Carolyn Smith Davies, 88, of Bedford, died peacefully at Lahey Hospital on February 5, 2026. Her four 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, Connecticut; Ripon, Wisconsin; Fresno, California; Long Beach, California; and Acton). She was involved in the Los Niños Hospital Guild in California and the League of Women Voters in Acton. 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 Acton on March 28, 1937, to Maude A. and Harold C. Smith. She attended Acton 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 Acton after she graduated from Smith. The family moved to Middletown, then to Ripon, and 10 years later to Fresno.
After Kent died in 1986, Carolyn returned to Acton, 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 four children Tom, Ellen, Anne, and Lynn; and six 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, Acton Academy, Smith College, or Perkins School for the Blind.Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. To share a memory or a condolence on her tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
