Carolyn Mae (O'Bryan) Smith

Carolyn Mae (O'Bryan) Smith, a cherished daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born on May 25, 1932, in Akron, OH, to W. Hugh and Nellie (Hartz) O'Bryan, and was the eldest of six children-Tim, Eileen, Judy, Patty, and Marie. A proud graduate of Greentown High School, Carolyn went on to live a full and joyful life rooted in faith, family, and friendship. For 46 wonderful years, she was married to her beloved husband, Frank, with whom she raised three children: Pamela (Cunningham), Lesa, and Bryan. Her devotion to her family was evident in every chapter of her life. She was a proud grandmother to Chrystal (Joseph) Landals and Jessica (Michael) Courson, and an adoring "Cookie Grandma" to her five great-grandchildren-Brooklyn, Maisy, Lincoln, Juniper, and Dakota-each of whom brought her endless joy. She also held a special place in her heart for her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Throughout her life, Carolyn wore many hats-working at Isaly's, serving as a secretary for Manpower and B&W, and lovingly caring for children as a babysitter. Beyond her professional life, she was a devoted parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Akron, and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Her faith was a powerful guiding force throughout her entire life. She found joy in the simple pleasures-traveling, spending time with her loved ones, reading, and playing games like Chinese Checkers and "the word game", both of which she was nearly impossible to beat at. She also enjoyed her daytime soap operas and game shows, her favorites being Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Flip Side, and had a steadfast taste for pies, mashed potatoes (what do you expect, she was Irish!), and cookies-especially the iced oatmeal kind.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her sisters Judy and Eileen. She is survived by her loving family, who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. Her feisty spirit, quick wit, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, yet will continue to live on through all who were honored to know her.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Sydni and Judy; her kind neighbor, Vincent Lackney; and her friend in faith, Melissa from ICC, for each of their care and companionship, as well as the compassionate staff at AGCC for showing her the utmost kindness and respect in her final days.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10:30AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2101 17th St SW, Akron, OH 44314, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00AM. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery will immediately follow.