Obituary

Claire Louise (Carlson) Smith, a 55 year resident of Melrose, died on Saturday, December 31, 2011 surrounded by her family at Kindred Hospital in Peabody following an extended illness. She was 73 years old.

Claire was born in Malden, Massachusetts on January 8, 1938 to the late Ernest and Mary (Tanner) Carlson. She grew up in Malden where she attended the Malden public school system and graduated from Malden High School. Claire was an avid animal lover and was President of Melrose Humane Society.

Claire is the beloved wife of 55 years to William J. Smith Jr. She is the devoted mother of William J. Smith III and his wife Kimberly of Wakefield, Linda Morphew and her husband David of Danvers and Robert Smith and his wife Taline of Watertown. She is the loving Nana to Katlynn, Matthew and Ryan Smith of Wakefield and Amanda and Alex Smith of Watertown. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours for Claire on Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 1 to 5 p.m. followed by her Funeral Service at 5 p.m. in The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose. Burial is private.