

Her family is heartbroken. She was our wonderful daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. “So kind, easy to talk to. A bright star. A blessing.”
She was in the care of UH Cardio Thoracic ICU for 60 days, after having contracted the flu and MRSA pneumonia. Her lungs were unable to recover from the infection. Our family would like to thank the doctors, and especially all the nurses and physical therapists at UH CTICU who took care of her 24/7 throughout her illness.
She was born in Billings, Montana on July 10, 1995. She is survived by her parents, Don and Kelley Smiley of Willowick, as well as her loving grandparents, Barbara and Steve Kvapil of Coram, Montana, and Gene and Barb Wuertz of Great Falls, Montana. Her extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins from Ohio, Montana and Washington will all miss her deeply.
She is preceded in death by her father, Stephen Carr, her grandparents, Carol and Lyle Carr, Carmen and Don Smiley, Sr., and her aunt, Denise Smiley Morgan.
Lindsey attended Miller and Craddock Elementary in Aurora for Kindergarten and 1st grade. Growing up in Willowick, she attended Royalview Elementary, and Willowick Middle School grades 2 through 8. She played soccer for several years on the Willowick team. She and her mother were baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith in 2003 at St. Mary Magdalene Church. She graduated from Lake Catholic High School in 2013.
Lindsey attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with certificates in Journalism and Creative Writing. She was a talented writer. After graduation, she was an Editorial Intern at Cleveland Magazine for 6 months.
She began her career as an Associate Editor and Editorial Strategist & Content Marketing Lead for MJH Life Sciences starting in 2020. She also had worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Giant Eagle and Walgreens.
Lindsey learned how to ski when she was 5 years old, and was soon skiing black-diamond runs on countless ski trips out West over the years. She also loved the beach and visited her dad in Florida often while growing up, and they took many trips together.
She loved spending time at home with her cat Stella, reading, watching movies, true crime shows, and listening to podcasts and music. Amy Winehouse was one of her favorites, and anything upbeat was mainly her vibe. Her favorite place was in Montana with her family in the summertime. She loved fashion – clothes, hair, and makeup, and especially loved getting her nails done. She was always wanting to share a funny video on her phone, or play a song for me she thought I would like. Lindsey could pick me up off the ground with her big hugs.
Lindsey’s vivacious spirit will take heaven by storm. Her beautiful smile will light up any darkness. Someone asked me to describe Lindsey, and “vivacious” is the word that popped into my head.
“Someone who is exceptionally lively, energetic, high-spirited, and bubbly. A “full of life” demeanor. Characterized by charm, enthusiasm, and a positive, magnetic attitude that lights up a room. Socially lively. Outgoing, joyful. Makes others feel energized just by being in the room. Likes being the center of attention. Effervescent, sparkling and has a “zest for living.”
She was so very brave and strong throughout her ordeal. Still smiling that beautiful smile, making funny faces, and always saying “I love you too” when we said “I love you” a hundred times each day. Lindsey, always the diva, wearing her Prada glasses and looking like a beauty queen.
Thank you, God, for allowing Lindsey to be a part of our lives, and may she be free from all anxiety and thrive in your presence.
Psalm 46:10 “A call to cease striving, let go of anxiety, and trust God during chaotic times.”
There will be a memorial mass at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Willowick and a Celebration of Lindsey’s life at a future date.
Please feel free to post any pictures you may want to share with our family on the memories page. Thank you.
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