Yolanda M. Smith

Yolanda M. Smith died peacefully on October 12th at Edge Hill in Stamford, CT. Lonni, as she was known, was a lifelong resident of Stamford and often marveled at the evolution of the city she called home all her life.

Lonni was born on November 20, 1937 to Joseph Rocco Carcusa and Marie Christine Carcusa. Lonni grew up on the west side of Stamford along with her older sister Antoinette, and younger brother Joseph. After graduating from Mother of God Academy in Stamford in 1955, she attended St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury enrolled in the Nursing Program.

While vacationing with girlfriends on Virginia Beach, she met the man who would one day become her husband, William “Bill” Henry Smith, native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, and Sergeant on Deck of the aircraft carrier U.S.S Lake Champlain, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. After a short courtship they were married at Sacred Heart Church on April 23, 1959.

Lonni spent the early years of her marriage working until she and Bill started their family. Lonni became a stay at home mom and lovingly raised two daughters. As they grew older Lonni returned to the workforce, by being offered a job with the State of Connecticut Juvenile Court Division. Lonni worked her way from Secretary to Court Clerk over the course of her 34 year career with the state. Lonni retired in 2009 and spent the last few years enjoying her retirement.

She is predeceased by her husband Bill who passed away in 2004. She is survived by her two daughters Christine Diane Smith-Humphrey of Gilbert, Arizona and Veronica Lynn Feinstein of Stamford, her two granddaughters Arielle Sara Feinstein of Stamford, and Alexandra Lynn Humphrey of Gilbert, Arizona, her sister Antoinette Beal of Brookfield, and Joseph Carcusa of Fairfield, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held at 11 am on Saturday October 17, 2015 at the Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project. A private internment will be held at a later date. To leave an online condolence please visit

www.leopgallagherstamford.com