Carol Smith

Our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, Carol Smith, passed away at the age of 85, on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo. She passed away peacefully, with family at her side.

Carol Ann Kristofitz was born May 30, 1939 in Fargo, to parents Charles and Astrid (Langlie) Kristofitz. She grew up as one of five children, attending schools in Fargo and graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1957. Some of her longest-term friendships were made as one of 10 girls in a Potluck Club during high school. After high school, she attended NDSU and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. While attending college, she worked as a model for local stores, including The Bridal Shop. She also worked at Retail Credit in Fargo after attending NDSU.

In October of 1960, she met a nice guy named Jerry Smith, who asked her to go to the NDSU Homecoming dance with him. They continued dating and became engaged April 1, 1961. Jerry and Carol were married on August 26, 1961 at Nativity Catholic Church in Fargo and they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.

They lived in Fargo at first, while Jerry finished graduate school at NDSU, then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (where daughter Theresa was born) and then Valley City for Jerry‘s work. They settled in West Fargo in 1963, where they have made their home ever since. They welcomed sons Tom and Mike and daughter Susan after they moved to West Fargo.

Carol was very involved with her family life and the various activities of her kids, while they were growing up. She was a Bluebird and Camp Fire leader, sports Mom, volunteer with our church and school activities, just to name a few. She served on the West Fargo School Board in the later 70s and 80s. Carol also had a lot of fun being involved, for many years, with her Fargo Central Class of ‘57 Reunion Committee.

A wonderful new chapter in her life began in 1990, when the grandkids started arriving. She really enjoyed her role as Grandma Carol and spending time with her kids and grandkids. A special joy for her was when her first great-grandchild, Miles Thomas Smith, was born January 23 of this year. She loved staying connected with her kids and their families; she always cared about the little things.

Carol is survived by: her husband Jerry; daughter Theresa (Tim) Ulrich of Horace, ND; sons Thomas (Shelley) Smith and Michael (Kristin) Smith, both of West Fargo; daughter Susan (Steve) Coccarelli, of Farmington, MN; grandchildren:  Zachary (Kelsey) Smith, Cassandra (Cody) Wilson, Samantha Smith; Leo, Eden and Eli Smith; Jakob, Charlie and Andrew Coccarelli; Daniel and Sarah Ulrich; great-grandson Miles Smith; sister Betty Kraft of Escondido, CA; sister-in-law Coleen Kristofitz of Midlothian, TX and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Curtis, Donald and David.

Carol, Mom, Grandma…will be greatly missed and be in our hearts forever â

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