Carolee Mason Smith

Carolee (Mason) Smith, age 82, of Macomb, IL, a Sister, Wife, Mother, Librarian, Teacher, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, colleague and friend to many, peacefully passed August 17, 2015 at Heartland Health Care Center in Macomb.

Carolee was born Oct. 15, 1932, to Clem and Hazel Mason, the youngest of seven children. She graduated high school in 1950 as a proud Macomb High Bomber, and married Donald G. Smith at the First Christian Church in Febuary of 1951.

When her husband was stationed at the Navel Base in Oakland, CA, she moved with him and worked at Allied Van Lines. She had a son, Douglas D. Smith in 1953, Upon returning to Illinois, she had a daughter, Julie (Smith) Rheinheimer in 1959.

In 1964 the family settled in LaHarpe, IL, and Carolee worked in Macomb at Western Illinois University. She then became the new librarian at the LaHarpe Carnegie Library. During these years, she was able to organize, update, and put her special touch on many programs and projects that were offered to the community. She eventually earned a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Elementary School Teaching and Counseling from Western Illinois University and taught 4th grade in the LaHarpe School System for the next 16 years. She was an active member of the LaHarpe Union Church, P.E.O., and Mother's Club, among other groups. She was a leader in her profession, serving as an officer in the LaHarpe Education Association while she completed trainings and continuing education. She was a true believer in the importance of education, reading, and writing and was quick to help others who wanted to pursue education at any age.

In 1986, Carolee and Donald moved to Salt Springs, FL, where she continued to teach 4th grade for another 6 years before retirement. She was able during this time to enjoy her grandchildren and the ocean in sunny Florida, along with summer trips to the couple's river cabin near Nauvoo, IL. After several years of living both in Florida and LaHarpe, Carolee and Donald moved back to Macomb to enjoy the closeness of hometown, family, and friends. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Macomb.

Carolee is survived by one sister, Dorothy Joan Mason of Eldersburg, MD, her husband, Donald G. Smith of Macomb, her son, Douglas D. Smith of Ormond Beach, FL, and Daughter Julie (Smith) Rheinheimer of Daytona Beach, FL. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren and three great-granfchildren all living in FL, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews of mostly the Macomb area. She will be greatly missed and always loved as a strong, capable woman who always gave of herself to family and friends.

Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, August 21, 2015 at the VFW in Macomb with Rev. Kelly Ingersoll officiating. Immediately following the service, there will be a meal and time of fellowship at the VFW. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the MDH Hospice and the LaHarpe Carnegie Public Library. Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe is in charge of arrangements.