Obituary of Karen Frahm Smith

Karen Frahm Smith, of Mendham, NJ passed away at the age of 80 at Clare Bridge Memory Care in Wayne on May 12, 2024.

Born in Summit, NJ, she was the first child of Jayne and Ernest Frahm. She grew up in Chatham, NJ moved to Mendham, NJ in 1965 where she and her late husband Jay raised their four children.

Karen was co-owner with her late husband of Suburban Building Services. In her later years Karen enjoyed working parttime at Mendham Hardware and Mendham Plywood stores.

Karen was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Jay B. Smith and her sister, Linda Frahm Bogus. She leaves behind her sister, Margo Frahm Ruthven, her children, Kirk (Celia) Smith, Craig “Bones” Smith, Leslie Smith Navarino, Steffani Smith Adaska, grandchildren Kyle Smith, Benjamin and Megan Smith, Tommy and Michael Glancey, Troy and Tristan Navarino, Kiah and Ethan Lane, and great granddaughter Nellie. In between raising her own 4 children, Karen also was known for loving and caring for 9 foster babies. She was a fabulous chef, loved entertaining and was a known for her green thumb and beautiful gardens.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 9-11am at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham, followed by inurnment at Mendham Hilltop Cemetery.  Karen will be laid to rest alongside her late husband.  Her sassy personality and effervescent character will live on in those whose lives she touched. In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her honor to The Alzheimer’s Association