Karen Isabella Smith

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Isabella Smith of Toronto.

Karen, 79 years old, died peacefully in her home at St Joseph's Senior’s Apartments in Leslieville on October 2nd, 2025.

She is predeceased by her father Robert Everton Smith, her mother Margaret Walker Smith, her younger brother Robert, and her beloved feline Gabriel.

Karen was born in Toronto on May 20th, 1946, and raised in the King City / Newmarket area of Southern Ontario.

Deeply affected by the death of her younger brother, Karen left home as a late teen to make her way in the world.

Karen’s subsequent career journey gave her the opportunity to travel the globe and to make many friends. From an international fashion model to fashion buyer, to co-owner of a boutique In Toronto’s Yorkville, to a time in the recording industry and finally to the City of Toronto’s finance department, Karen’s resume was as impressive as it was eclectic, much like the women herself.

During her time as a fashion model and later in the recording industry, Karen met and became close friends with many of the 60’s and 70’s biggest celebrities. Despite her unquestionable career accomplishments and her hobnobbing with the rich and famous, Karen seldom talked about this part of her life and when she did, never in a bragging or conceited way. Karen was a humble person, grateful for the good things that her life had afforded her.

A longtime resident of the Cabbagetown neighborhood of Toronto, Karen, always looking stylish, was often seen out and about market shopping and talking to her many friends.

A devoted cat owner, Karen gave a loving home to quite a few of the neighborhood's homeless felines as well as helping to care for those that she could not take in.

A lung cancer survivor for over ten years Karen battled the last two years with heart and back problems before her brave heart finally gave up the fight.

Karen will be sorely missed by all those who knew her.

At Karen’s request, there was no funeral service.