CHARLTON - Karen L. “Kitty” (Prunier) Smith, 75, died Wednesday, June 28, 2017 in Brookside Rehab & Healthcare Center, Webster, after an illness. Her husband of 47 years, Earl E. “Buster” Smith, died in 2007.
She leaves a son, Greg A. “Smitty” Smith with whom she lived; 2 grandchildren, Ryan Bisceglia of Worcester and Alisa McDonald of Falmouth; 5 siblings, Diane Briggs and her husband David of Shrewsbury, Faye Windram and her husband Jim of Belchertown, Stephen Prunier and his wife Ronna of Charlton, Francis E. Prunier, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Shirley, and Wendy Romeo and her husband Jim of Auburn; her “adopted son,” Tommy Magnant of Dudley; many nieces and nephews.
She was born in Worcester and raised in Shrewsbury on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond, a daughter of Francis E. “Fritz” Prunier, Sr. and Rita (Mondor) Prunier. She graduated from Shrewsbury High School and later from Quinsagamond Community College. She survived the tornado of June 9, 1953 which flattened her family’s home.
Mrs. Smith first worked as a beautician for 10 years at R. H. White’s at Lincoln Plaza in Worcester. She did medical billing for Hahnemann Hospital and then for Memorial Hospital for over 10 years. She worked at Dunkin Donuts in Oxford for another 10 years, retiring in 2007. She also had a real estate broker’s license and was associated with Carpentier Real Estate in Charlton for a short time.
Karen lived a life without sugar coating but cherished friends and family. She found happiness in and looked forward to spending time and making memories with them. She enjoyed outdoor activities such as horseback riding, snow skiing, ice skating and swimming. A story she loved to share was of her swimming across Lake Quinsigamond at the age of 10 witnessed by her sister Diane who cheered her on. Her favorite hobby was painting, an activity where she could express joy with oil on canvas.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 8, from 9:30 to noon in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster with a funeral service at 11:45 AM. Donations in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.