Karen K. Smith

Karen K. Smith, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Monday March 27, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Karen was born June 19, 1943 to Vincent and Mary (Hannam) Scieszinski in Melrose, IA along with her identical twin sister, Linda Coady. Karen worked for the State of Iowa for many years in various departments, and retired in 2010 as an Administrative Assistant with State of Iowa DHS.

Karen had a very strong work ethic and an enduring and selfless love for her family and friends. She was always ready to help anyone in need regardless if you were family member, friend or an acquaintance. Karen didn’t know a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, and by the time they were done chatting, they were life long friends. Karen always made you feel very special no matter how long she knew you. Everyone was important and mattered to her. If you had the opportunity to know her, you knew that “Karen” love. Karen had a very strong faith to God and the Catholic Church; she always found the good in everyone.

Karen was blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren and she loved and adored each one in their own way. She enjoyed watching and traveling to hockey games, car races, dance recitals, flyball, and gymnastic meets. After each event she would talk for days of how proud she was of each grandkid. In earlier years Karen and Joe spent quality time with family and friends going to watch dog and horse races, something they both enjoyed doing together.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Christy) Smith, Jill (Greg) Brammer, Kurt (Angela) Smith; grandchildren, Mackenzie and CJ Smith, Holly and Kylee Brammer, Abby, Sammy and Annie Smith; twin sister, Linda Coady; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Dan) Murphy, Dorie Grove, Linda (Bill) Hannam, and Jeri (Rich) Keller; brother-in-law, Bill Smith; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Patrick “Joe” Smith, sister, JoAnn McGee, in-laws, Helen Marie & Art McDonough, Phyllis & Jack Coleman, Ellie & Frank Sumner, Shelia Bowers, Jack & Lucille Smith, Kay & Larry Shelton, Ron Grove, Jimmy Coady and Bernard McGee.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with a Rosary recited at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, April 3, at 10:30am at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mt. Calvary Cemetery, c/o Steve Heffron, 5175 255 St, Melrose, IA 52569.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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