Avis de décès de Karen-L. Smith - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

SMITH, KAREN L., 58, a high school history teacher who spread her intense joy of life and learning to countless youth during her thirty-year career, died Friday, April 22, 2005, at Lucerne Hospital. As Director of the Center for International Studies Magnet at Dr. Phillips High School for nearly a decade, Ms. Smith opened the minds of her students to the world beyond Central Florida. Former students remember her classes for their lively interchange of ideas, and they credit Ms. Smith for expanding their perspective on the world. She did this by extending her teaching beyond the four walls of her classroom. In over thirty excursions, Ms. Smith guided over 500 students on cultural exchanges to foreign lands, where they explored history and culture during the day and stayed with host families at night. A graduate of Winter Park High School and the University of Central Florida, Ms. Smith taught at Oak Ridge High School prior to joining the faculty at Dr. Phillips, when the school opened in 1987. She was subsequently selected by her colleagues to be the first Teacher of the Year in Dr. Phillips' new Ninth Grade Center. Her teaching was marked by an enthusiasm combined with an infectious sense of humor. She loved to tell stories and perceived history to be a long collection of stories with odd twists and turns, comprised of a countless cast of intriguing characters. But what Ms. Smith loved most was working with students. They caught her infectious passion for learning, her joy of people, and her positive attitude toward life. "Gee, that would be swell," they remember Ms. Smith saying whenever they offered a suggestion. Former students commonly remark on her positive influence in their lives. Her teaching and encouragement have led scores of students to enter an international career. Wherever she traveled, Ms. Smith made close friends, who admired her for the same positive qualities which drew students to her, including the courage with which she battled cancer. "She was a wonderfully brave, inspirational lady," remarked Kathy Mealor of Southend, England. "We are all fortunate that our lives touched and have been enriched because of Karen's efforts. "Ms. Smith was born in Arlington, Virginia, the daughter of Jim and Charlotte Smith. She is survived by her mother. The funeral will be today, Monday, April 25, at 4PM in the chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home. Services by WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK & FUNERAL HOME. 407-293-1361.