Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Carol Mary Ravel Smith, 77, of Mohnton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at the Matthew House in Auburn, New York.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on December 25, 1948, Carol was the beloved daughter of the late Floyd and Mary (Yaklich) Ravel.
Carol was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her family. She was deeply loved by a wide circle of relatives and friends, all of whom were touched by her warmth, humor, and genuine spirit. Carol had an infectious personality, she was enthusiastic, energetic, and had a remarkable gift for making others laugh. Just as meaningful was her ability to listen with compassion and offer wisdom and comfort to those who needed it most.
Carol lived a life full of independence and adventure. As an over-the-road truck driver, she traveled extensively across the United States, embracing the freedom of the open road and collecting stories she loved to share. Among her favorite memories was her visit to Graceland, which she spoke of often. Earlier in her career, she worked as a manager for Olan Mills portrait studios for many years, following her time as a personal caregiver.
In her quieter moments, Carol found joy in crocheting, fishing, and swimming. She loved music and looked forward to visiting her favorite band at the local casino. She also cherished spending time vacationing with her daughters, whether relaxing in North Myrtle Beach or enjoying the beauty of New York’s Finger Lakes.
Carol will be remembered as a proud, strong, and independent woman who lived life on her own terms. She was intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely devoted to those she loved. Her legacy is one of laughter, resilience, and unwavering love.
She is survived by her daughters, Tracie Mercado and her husband, Gerry, and Christie Schwab and her husband, John; her sister, Marilyn “Jean” Bingaman; her brother, Barry Ravel; her grandchildren, Christopher Dorsey Jr., Ciara Mercado, Alexander Mercado, Olivia Schwab, and Lyric Wassmer; and her great-granddaughter, Sophia Dorsey.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her son, David Wassmer Jr., and her brothers, Floyd “Bud” Ravel Jr. and Ronald Ravel.
In accordance with Carol’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date, with details to be shared with family and friends.
Condolences may be offered at whitechapelfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s memory to the Matthew House in Auburn, New York, a compassionate end-of-life care home that provided extraordinary support in her final days. Donations may be made through their website, matthewhouse.org and by selecting the “donate” option.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol M Smith, please visit our floral store.