Catherine Porter Smith Cardin (Kate) died peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones, at sunset on November 29, 2023.
Saturday, February 29, 1964 was a special day, not only was it a Leap Year, but it was the day Kate Smith was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the daughter of Charles Harold Smith “Pete”, and Mildred Broun Smith, “Millie”. At the age of three, the family moved to Montgomery where Kate made many lifelong friends. She had two older brothers, Mark the “CPA” and Peter the “Surgeon.” T-Bone, their Great Dane, helped Kate learn to walk by holding onto his collar.
Kate loved dogs – T-Bone, Roger, Bear, Blitz, Sam, Catfish, Bullet, Shotgun, Mr. Clyde, Hammer, and Brodie, and granddogs Bingley and Teddy.
The entire Cardin family went to the University of Alabama. Kate was a debutante and a member of AOΠ. She met her husband Jim (Budman) at school, and they set up house in Pulaski, Tennessee.
Kate was a wonderful mother and did an amazing job raising their daughters, Kate Downing and Sara-Elizabeth. Kate was devoted to her Girl Scouts, mentoring them all the way from Brownies through high school when all received the Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. Quite an achievement!
Being born on a Saturday, Kate loved to entertain friends and family. She was a welcoming and gracious hostess, always putting out her “good” things. She was an excellent cook too and delighted in putting on a spread.
And as so many know, Kate was always available to teach children, and adults, the rules of etiquette.
Kate grew up a tomboy and loved the outdoors, especially kayaking on Second Creek. Biking with her friends, sailing in the British Virgin Islands, tennis, pickleball, and of course, she loved walking, walking for miles and miles. Kate became an accomplished painter and was a terrific card player. She loved gardening and her flowers, and “gathering.”
Most of all, Kate loved and adored her family and friends. She never met a stranger and always had a smile on her face. Always.
Kate is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, James Thomas Cardin (Jim) and their two daughters, Kate-Downing Cardin of Nashville and Dr. Sara-Elizabeth Cardin of Memphis, and her two brothers, Mark Smith of Florence and Dr. Peter Smith (Christy) of Nashville, her mother-in-law, Sue Cardin, her sister-in-law Karen Cardin Spivey (Steve) and numerous nieces and nephews. Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Smith (Pete and Millie) of Montgomery, and her father-in-law, Thomas Lee Cardin (Tommy) of Pulaski. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Paige Saint-Brewer, who is indeed a saint.
In lieu of plants and flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Giles County Library, Giles Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.
Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Catherine Porter Smith Cardin (Kate).
