Carole grew up in Manteca, the youngest in a close-knit family of seven siblings.  She attended local schools and graduated from Manteca Union High School, where she was active in student government and sports.  While working at the Manteca Telephone Co., she met her husband, John Cameron Smith, on a blind date arranged by co-workers.  On that first date he held open the car door and said, “Hop in, shorty.”  That became his name for her.  In 1957, they made Sacramento their home.  They became a great team in their many ventures and spent many happy times with family and friends at their Seacliff Beach house.  After she was widowed, Carole had a beautiful friendship with the late Bruce Hart and his family.  She stayed in touch with high school friends and was still enjoying outings with them.  In her later years, she moved to Four Season in El Dorado Hills and valued her new friends there.  she was an avid golfer and volunteer.
   Carole is survived by her son John T. Smith and wife Kit, and granddaughters Jennifer and Julie.  She is also survived by her daughter Sally Hagans and her grandsons, Cameron, Chris and Matt, and six great-grandchildren.  She was a loving sister to Lupe Bruno and Sal Santiago (Alora), and aunt, to many nieces and nephews.
   Friends are invited to a celebration of Carole’s life on September 11th at 4:00p.m. at the Sutter Club, 1220  9th Street, in Sacramento.
   Memorials in Carole’s name may be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children, Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817-2215, Manteca Historical Society, P.O. Box 907, Manteca, CA 95336, and Snowline Hospice, 6520 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, August 8, 2015