Carolyn Stanciel-Smith

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
Carolyn Marie Stanciel-Smith
Sunrise: December 25, 1966 Sunset: May 25, 2021
“Earthly Servant, Heavenly Angel”

Life Reflections

On December 25, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, K.B. and Lenora Stanciel celebrated the birth of their third child, a daughter they named Carolyn Marie Stanciel, aka “Dina”.
Throughout her childhood, Dina was known to be a curious, bright and rambunctious, always the light of everyone’s eye. She grew up on Chicago’s westside in the Garfield Community, attending Marconi Elementary School and later graduating from George Westinghouse Vocational High School in June 1985. Dina spent the majority of her work career giving back to the neighborhood in which she lived, she worked as a teacher’s aide at Marconi Elementary School (primary grades), an after-school teacher at the YWCA, and later in private childcare. She retired early to care for her first grand daughter Baylee, who affectionately called her “Ya-Ya”.

Dina was married to Morris Smith Jr., together they raised three children, Rodney Winfield Jr., Kristopher Ryan and Amber Marie. All of whom made their parents extremely proud by effortlessly moving through their formative years and going on to serve in the United States Armed Forces and obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dina believed in a quality education, inside and outside of the classroom. Her children are a direct result of her ability to inspire and engage all children, especially her own.

At an early age, at her mother Lenora’s direction, Dina, along with her sisters and cousins, spent countless Sunday’s in church on the southside of Chicago “Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church”, where she accepted God “our” Father as the head of her life. As an avid reader, the Holy Bible was also one of her favorite books and she lived her life trusting and resting in the word of God.

Dina was known to be Lenora and K.B.’s “head strong” child. Most times she made up her own rules, spoke her own truth and would tell anyone who listed that she was going to do things “her way”. She had a smile that would light up a room and an infectious laugh that drew everyone around her into the conversation, no matter the topic, Dina made it funny. She loved her husband and her soulmate Morris, Jr. “Moe” with all her heart, yet her children, Rodney, Kristopher and Amber were the reasons she breathed. Family gatherings at the Smith’s always left us with fond memories, tons of pictures, and one question “when are we getting together again?” Dina was an amazing Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend. There will never “EVER” be another Carolyn Marie, we know Heaven is rejoicing.

Dina transitioned from this life to eternal life on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family and holding the hand of her baby girl Amber. She leaves to cherish her sweet memories her husband Morris Smith, Jr. (2) sons, Rodney Winfield (Marquette), Decatur, IL, Kristopher Ryan Smith (Marshae), Chicago, IL and (1) daughter Amber Marie Smith, Chicago, IL, Mother, Lenora Stanciel, Bloomington, IL and Father K.B. Stanciel, Chicago, IL, (9) grandchildren Jayden, Jamaria, Baylee, Kamora, Kaylyn, Gabby, Gianna, Tiara and Genesis, (6) siblings, JoCathy Roberts (Alan), Chicago, IL, Brenda Wiley, Hoffman Estates, IL, Bridgette Stanciel, Bloomington, IL, Janette Stanciel, Chicago, IL, Jonathan Stanciel (Kathy), Chicago, IL Sam Stanciel, Johnsburg, IL, step mother Roberta Edwards, Chicago, IL, nieces and nephews, Lamar, III, Erica, Brendan, Breanna, Jonathan Jr., Jayden, Nathan and Brad along with a host of in-laws, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Acknowledgement
The family of Carolyn Marie Stanciel-Smith wishes to express sincere appreciation for prayers, emails, texts and cards sent at this difficult time. We want each of you to know that we shall forever be grateful for your kindness.

In Loving Memory
Not one day will go by that we will not see your smile in the sky, feel your hugs with the wind and your laughter in the songs of birds. Fly high “angel” and take your rest.

Tributes for Carolyn Marie Stanciel-Smith

On December 25, 1966, God blessed me with my birthday/Christmas present, my daughter, Carolyn Marie Smith. Your passing went through my hear like a thread through the eye of a needle. I will always love and miss my Christmas baby.
Love, Mama
I will miss your forever my baby girl, my “Dina Doll”
Love, Daddy
Our beautiful memory, dearer than gold of a sister whose worth can never be told. There’s a place in our hears not one could fill, we miss you dear sister and always will.
Love, JoCathy, Brenda and Bridgette

Our beautiful mother,
I don’t even know the words to say because I could’ve never imagined this day.
You were such a special gift to this world; everyone’s favorite girl.
Your smile was as bright as the sun on a hot summer day;
And your love for your family would never sway.
You had a way of making each of us feel important and unique;
And you could command a rooms attention as soon as you would speak.
I took in everything you said, because you never led us wrong;
You raised us to stand on our own 2-feet and be strong.
Your strength never wavered, even in pain;
Your lessons, talks, laughs, and tears will never be in vain.
The mother I know didn’t leave us unprepared;
She knew we could take care of ourselves, but man, I’m scared.
I love you so much and I’m going to miss you too; but thinking happy memories gets me through.
My mama; the firecracker, the comedian, the lover; a personality that was like no other.
The life of the party, you loved being a host; our “first floor” parties is what you loved the most.
You never missed an event or show; we could always depend on you being in the front row.
You supported us to the very end, and made sure you spoke to us every day, just to check in.
Everything we are is because of you; you made sure we would be something, no excuse.
You loved us bold and fiercely, and I’m so glad God chose you for us three.
You came and you conquered ma, and now it’s time for you to rest peacefully.

Love always, your children,
Rodney, Kris, and Amber

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.