Carolyn Moser-Smith

Carolyn Moser-Smith, born on November 14, 1950, in Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, after a ten-year, hard-fought battle with cancer on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at the age of 72. Carolyn was the daughter of the late Ralph and Janice Kendle. 

Carolyn was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived a life full of love, laughter, and kindness. She was known for her sense of humor, sensational style, beautiful smile, warm personality, and her ability to make everyone feel loved and appreciated. 

Carolyn grew up in Boonsboro, Maryland and attended Boonsboro High School. In high school she was named “Miss Fashion,” a title she justified her entire life. After graduating from high school, she married her high school sweetheart Dennis Moser and started her career as a Secretary at the Department of Energy (then Atomic Energy Commission). Mr. Moser died of carbon monoxide poisoning while on a hunting trip in December 1986. Carolyn retired as the DOE Life Sciences Division Secretary in 1996 when she received a Distinguished Career Service Award from the Department of Energy. She then began living her true passions: caring for her grandchildren, home decorating, cooking, tending her flower gardens and, of course, shopping. She also worked part-time at Camillions, a Hagerstown boutique where she enjoyed the opportunity to share her flare for fashion to style and accessorize others. She later worked part-time at what she called “the box job,” where the friendships she formed gave her a renewed zest for life. Carolyn also spent time volunteering to aid Mount Lena church ladies making apple dumplings. When her grandsons attended Smithsburg Elementary School, and well after, Carolyn volunteered as a teacher’s aide. She was fondly referred to as Nana by not only her grandsons, Brett and Brady, but to all those children and staff who also grew to adore her. Through that experience, she formed life-long friends with some of the staff and found it very fulfilling. Despite her busy life, Carolyn always found time to spend with her many friends who she deeply cherished.

In 1996, Carolyn married the love of her life, David A. Smith, and they began traveling the world together. They traveled several times to various European countries and visited friends in Germany and Switzerland. Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother who always put her family first. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and treasured every moment she spent with them. As her grandchildren grew older, she no longer wanted to travel since it took her away from them. She said she had seen enough of the world and would rather focus on her role as Nana.

Carolyn will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the honor and privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind her husband, David Smith; her children, Deanna Baile and Melanie Moser; stepdaughters, Leslie Marsh, Danelle Archer, and Deonne Dixon; her grandchildren, Brett and Brady Baile; her step-grandchildren, Jordan and Corey Marsh, Alex Heyden, Thomas and Alyse Archer, Shelby Umble, Austin and Troy Dixon, Paige Saylor, and Nicole Clemans; siblings, Dale and Mike Kendle; several great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Carolyn's life will be held at Beaver Creek Country Club which will be announced and published later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carolyn's memory to Hospice of Washington County. Carolyn's legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.