Julie A Smith

Born and raised in Canastota, New York, Julie was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Smith. She was also predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Marilyn Smith.

A graduate of Russell Sage College, Julie’s adventurous spirit led her to spend time living in Israel and traveling the world—experiences that shaped her lifelong love of exploration. She particularly cherished Switzerland and England and held a special love for Cuba, jumping through many hoops to make her way to the island multiple times.

She later settled in Boston and embarked on a meaningful career as an Executive Assistant to successive chairs in the Department of Pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Julie was a favorite among the trainees and faculty, who loved to stop by and chat with her about the latest movies and books while receiving her expert guidance on the proper formatting of their Harvard Curriculum Vitae.

Julie had a passion for travel and empowerment. She shared her experiences by teaching a class for women interested in solo international travel at the Boston Center for Adult Education. A talented photographer with an eye for beauty in everyday life, she also ran a small greeting card business featuring her work.

A lover of the arts, Julie recently took up watercolor painting, finding joy in learning new ways to express herself. Her creativity was matched by her deep compassion—she dedicated much of her time to supporting various animal welfare charities.

Julie will also be remembered for her quick wit and fun sense of humor, which brought laughter and lightness to those around her. Whether sharing a clever observation or a perfectly timed quip, she had a gift for making people smile.

She is survived by her nieces, Kara Smith and Kristen Smith; her nephews, Richard Smith (Stephanie Smith) and Charles Smith; her aunt, Barbara Cronk; and cousins, Richard Cronk and Kimberly Lamb—all of whom will miss her deeply.

Julie had many long-term, close friends, including Laura Morosini; Danilo and Eleonora Pellin; Penny, Derek, and Holly Skaletsky; Cathleen Quade; Dr. David Weinberg; Dr. Gayle Winters; and many other friends here and abroad.

In honoring Julie’s life, her family and friends celebrate a woman who lived with independence, creativity, kindness, and a generous heart.

A private memorial will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Julie’s memory may be made to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston (one of Julie’s favorite photographic sites) or to a local animal welfare organization of your choice.