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Karin Pamela Smith, 69, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023 in Duck, NC. Karin was born in 1954 in Middletown, Connecticut. Before graduating from Mercy High School in Middletown in 1972 she had already attained prominence as an accomplished ballet dancer and instructor. Her natural talent was on display with solo performances at the Waldorf Astoria and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Karin married in 1978 and completed her nursing degree in 1984 at the University of Guam while her husband was serving on active duty. Karin worked as a Registered Nurse specializing in pediatric intensive care as the family moved several times to accommodate her husband’s military service.

In 1995 Karin and her family moved to northern Virginia and her passion for caring for the elderly and disabled was on display as she transitioned to long term care. While working in long term care for the elderly, she rose to the position of Director of Nursing followed soon thereafter by becoming a licensed Health Care Administrator. Over the next 20 years she managed two health care facilities with more than 400 residents and employees.

Karin enjoyed, along with her husband, raising two children, reading and traveling to learn about other cultures. Outside the continental United States, she traveled to South Korea, The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Central and South America, Germany, France, and Austria. Though Karin’s joy of life and meeting people around the world was robust, she left us to be in God’s hands too soon. There was so much more she could have contributed, bringing joy to everyone she met. We will miss her dearly. The physical world is a little less beautiful with her absence.

Karin is survived by her husband, Daniel Smith, children Sarah and Adam Smith; sisters, Lora Helmedach and Paula Higgins. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Share comfort and condolences with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.

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