Paula Caron Smith

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Paula Caron Smith, recently of Hilton Head Island, S.C. and formerly Lubec, Littleton, and Augusta, passed away Oct. 16, 2021. Her 93 years were filled with love of her family and much laughter.

Paula was the youngest of three girls, born June 29, 1928 at Christ Church Hospital in Jersey City, N.J. to Eva J. and Jean Baptiste Caron. Paula grew up in North Andover and Lawrence, Mass. where she attended the John Breen School and graduated from Lawrence High School. She was an honor roll student and continued her love of learning throughout her life by reading her favorite author, Steele, and completing the daily crossword puzzles. Her lifelong love of the seashore began with walks along Moody Beach.

She met her husband, Frank H. Smith in Lawrence, Mass. He had served in the Merchant Marines/Coast Guard in WWII. Upon his return they were married in Portland. Together they moved to Bangor and then to Augusta in 1954.

Paula supported her husband in his businesses. In addition, she was an Assistant County Treasurer of Kennebec County, Maine and attained the high level of Worthy Matron in the Eastern Star, a charitable organization, and a member of the Penney Memorial Baptist Church.

Paula is predeceased by her husband, Frank Smith; her beautiful granddaughter, Danielle Benedict; and her dear sisters Ruth Matheson and Judy Marcks.

She raised five children, Lawrence Smith of Augusta, Pamela Vias of Chattanooga, Tenn., Deborah Elias of Bluffton, S.C., Melissa D’Arcy of Sanford, and Eric Smith of Arlington, Mass., and was their biggest cheerleader. She offered support and wisdom when they needed her to listen and guide them. She had a fierce love for her 12 grandchildren, Tatia Torrey, Todd Bilodeau, Courtney Desmond, Katie Choate, Tristen Smith, Jason Elias, Corey Elias, Cassandra Elias, Devon Belanger, Zachery Smith, Hannah Smith, Amanda Smith; and 14 great-grandchildren who will, no doubt, pursue their dreams with her memory in their hearts.

Paula had an infectious zest for life and never walked out of a Marden’s, TJ Maxx, or any antique store empty handed. She loved to travel – except for the trips in the unreliable RV! Her friends and family will never forget her resilience, humor, grace, and love for animals (who most certainly all loved her back).

Memorial services will be held at Indigo Pines, Hilton Head Island, S.C. and at a later date in Augusta where her remains will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Please check legacy.com for the updated location and date information.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association in tribute to Paula Caron Smith.