Kathryn Alysia Smith's Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kathryn Alysia Smith, who tragically died from smoke inhalation following an accident at her Florien, Louisiana home. Kathryn was only 47 years of age.
Kathryn was blessed with chestnut brown hair, hazel eyes, and porcelain-like skin. As an infant, she was adopted by Paul and Patricia VanDorn of Anderson, Indiana. An independent, “artsy” child, with a gift for music, Kathryn enjoyed winter snows and summer water sports. She loved every animal she met.
Kathryn graduated from St. Ambrose Elementary School and Noblesville High School. She then earned an Associate Degree from Vincennes University and became a licensed cosmetologist.
After working various jobs in Indianapolis, Kathryn moved to Louisiana where she married Patrick Smith II. The marriage eventually ended, but the couple shared a never-ending commitment to their awesome daughter, Ember Lilly, now 12-years-old. Ember was the light of Kathryn’s life—her motivation to face serious health challenges with courage and hope.
“Look on the bright side of life” was Kathryn’s guiding star. Family will remember her for her kindheartedness; her unprejudiced and forgiving nature; also for her “manic panic red” hair month and her experimental recipes. Currently, Kathryn was studying the Romanian language just for fun. She was excited about spending Thanksgiving with the Smith family.
In addition to her daughter and mother, Kathryn is survived by a brother, Matthew VanDorn, of Kokomo, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Also surviving are members of her birth family, with whom Kathryn re-connected in her later years. Kathryn’s father, Paul VanDorn, died from cancer in 2023.
Memorial services will be held in Louisiana and in Indiana at a later date. Kathryn will eventually rest at Maplewood Cemetery, near her father, with whom she shared a special bond.
Condolences may be expressed at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family asks relatives and friends to perform an act of kindness in Kathryn’s honor.
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