Corinne Shirley Smith

Corinne Smith was born in Syracuse, New York in April of 1933, to Walter and Mary Elsie Smith. After High-School she entered the Air Force in May of 1954. Staff Sergeant Smith, Percussion Section Leader, left the Air Force September 29, 1961, after 7 years of service, when the Women in the Air Force (WAF) Band was dissolved.

After leaving the Air Force, Corinne completed her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Public Administration at California State University, Long Beach. A true "generalist" with an interest in a variety of occupations, Corinne worked in several, including real estate, nursing home administration, and cross-country truck driving. She was a cardiology technician when she retired in 1998.

Corinne was well known for her love of God and Country, compassion for people, expert percussion skills, quick wit, and of course a lifelong love of anything Disney and chocolate milkshakes. Being part of the WAF Band reunion each year was always a priority.

Corinne met Barbara Caponero in 1973. They enjoyed 45 years of love and adventures including getting officially married in December of 2014. Corinne was preceded in death by her three older brothers, Francis, Robert, and Normand. She is survived by wife Barbara and many close friends.

A brief memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn Mortuary, 1500 E. San Antonio Drive, Long Beach, on Monday, February 26, 2018 @ 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation to a favorite charity in Corinne's name.