Carol Smythe, a devoted historian and lifelong advocate for the Catskill region, passed away peacefully – surrounded by her family – on April 26, 2025, at her home on South Hill in Grahamsville, New York.

Born on August 10, 1933, to Vernon H. Gridley Sr. and Inez George Gridley, Carol grew up on a farm on South Hill. As the only student in her local one-room schoolhouse, she learned from the beginning to find comfort in the quiet of the Catskill Mountains. Graduating from high school at just 17, Carol was determined to make her mark. From Manhattan to Boston, through college degrees, careers, motherhood and beyond, Carol lived her life to the fullest.

In her later years, Carol was best known as the Town of Neversink Historian – someone who was dedicated to preserving the rich history of the surrounding area. As historian, she worked tirelessly to document and share the stories of the people and places that shaped it. She was a founding member of the Time and the Valleys Museum in Grahamsville, where her efforts brought to life exhibits that offer a vivid glimpse into the daily lives of early Catskill residents.

Carol was also proud to have been a published author, financial educator for Cornell University, and the Executive Director of ARC. She dedicated countless hours to helping others – whether through her skills as an accountant, writer, or historical expert.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol was admired for her determination and unwavering commitment to her community. A beloved figure in Grahamsville, she touched the lives of many. She was a proud feminist, advocate, and volunteer who worked hard and asked for nothing in return. Her drive to do more and be more never faded. It’s difficult to imagine a world without Carol, but we take comfort in knowing that parts of her live on through the many lives she touched, both near and far.

She is survived by her children: Jennifer (Roger) Ballard of Mongaup Valley, NY; Robert (Marylin) Jones and Andrew (Yvonne) Jones of Grahamsville, NY; her sister, Linda Lane of Swanzey, NH; her grandchildren: Kris, Jean Claude, Christina, Jason, Chris, Sam (Rachael), Lauren (John), and Devan; her great-grandchildren: Tony, Hannah, Austin, Brantley, and Dakota; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Daniel Smythe, and by her brother, Vernon Gridley.

 The family would like to offer special thanks to her neighbors, who were more like family, and to her cousin Dot Muthig, whom she knew for 91 years – a relationship that stood the test of time. Because of all of you, her legacy lives on.

 In her way – stubborn and straight to the point –  she’d ask for no one to fret, and would remind us all that this is life: ash to ash and dust to dust. She found peace in her life, and we extend the wish that you, dear neighbor, find it too. 

Despite her extensive travels – from train rides through the Canadian Rockies to wine tastings in the south of France – Carol’s heart always brought her back home. To the place where she learned to read and write and let her forsythias grow wild: her favorite place, South Hill.

And now, as has been the custom for many generations of her family who walked this same ground, Carol will find peace in a small, quiet slice of heaven in Claryville. Thus, a memorial service to honor Carol’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:30am at the Claryville Cemetery, with food at the church hall to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Time and the Valleys Museum to continue Carol’s work. Carol’s passion for history, her dedication to her community, and her kind spirit will be deeply missed – though we are sure, not forgotten.

Arrangements under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information call 845-434-7363 or visit colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.