Honoring
Ann Bickford Smith

January 30, 1934 - December 19, 2025

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Ann Bickford Smith, 91, died peacefully on December 19, 2025, in Lexington, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. Born in Evanston, Illinois, she was the elder daughter of the late Reginald Scott and Emma “Jean” Bickford and showed an early gift for teaching, often gathering neighborhood children on her front porch for lessons.

After graduating from Evanston Township High School, Ann attended Smith College on a full scholarship, where she earned her degree in education. She met Hedrick Laurence Smith on a blind date and later married, raising four children. Early in her career, she taught kindergarten, and later lived abroad in Egypt and the Soviet Union with her family, travelling extensively.

Ann earned a Master’s degree in Education from George Washington University and taught reading in the Maryland public school system. After moving to Boston in the late 80s, she returned to graduate school at age 50 and completed a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. She later served as a learning specialist at Belmont Day School.

She had an active retirement. She served as President of WomenKind Educational Resource Center and co-founded the Financial Literacy Project, producing one of the first books on financial literacy for women.  She continued tutoring students and working at the Arlington Children’s Library. Passionate about the arts, she sang with the Mystic Chorale, regularly attended the Boston Symphony, and took piano lessons into her eighties. An avid traveler and nature lover, she explored destinations around the world, enjoyed Cape Cod vacations, birding, and skiing, and cherished views of Spy Pond from her apartment. 

She is survived by her four children, Laurel (Kirk Doggett), Jenny (Richard Tichnor), Scott, and Lesley (Jeff Dickson), her four grandchildren, Stetson, Logan, Emma, and Tyler, and her sister, Jean Frey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rosie’s Place. A virtual service celebrating Ann’s life will be held on January 30, 2:00 PM, which would have been her 92nd birthday.

Celebration Of Life

Recorded Friday, January 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern

Ann’s family invites you to view the celebration of life service & reception to honor her birthday, and her life and legacy.

Slideshow

Guest Book

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Linda and Kevin McGuinness
1 month ago

Dear Laurie, Jenny , Scott and Leslie,

Thank you so much for inviting us to Ann’s Celebration of Life. We are still awe-struck by the outpouring of love and affection for your Mom.
I knew Ann as a warm and caring “Boss” who became a dear friend. She was always a role model for me. I have so many wonderful memories of our time together in Moscow. Your Mom was a very special lady.
You are all in our thoughts and have our deepest sympathy.
Linda and Kevin

Emily Wasserman
1 month ago

While living in Larchmont in the 70’s my parents Cece & Herb Wasserman became the best of friends with the entire Smith clan. Two decades later, a hot summer day in the 90’s, Ann and a few of her college friends came to visit my parents in the Berkshires, I happened to be visiting my parents as well. We were enjoying a languorous lunch when we decided (prompted by my Dad) to go skinny dipping. I remember how Ann and her friends stripped off their clothes – they were a little shy, a little sly – but, soon enough, they were butt naked in the pool, giggling away like school girls. I remember their laughter, how they splashed away, how they spoke about how they had been through so much together – marriages, divorces, births, deaths – that they had been through “everything” but that they had never ever skinny dipped together. Ann was a teacher, I often think of the lesson in the pool she (and her friends) inadvertently taught me that day — even if you think you’ve been through “everything” there’s still more to experience, life has the “big” checks but it is actually the small unexpected, surprise moments of laughter that give life its tangible meaning. Thanks for the wisdom, Ann.

Julie Greenspan
1 month ago

It was wonderful to join the Celebration of Life for Ann. Thank you for inviting me. I loved hearing about her life and dedication to her family. Laurel, Kirk and Stetson, Paul and I send our deepest sympathies and are thinking about you!

Stefanie Wasserman
1 month ago

I remember Anne so well from my childhood! She was such an amazing support!

Marivic Mabanag
1 month ago

Marivic Mabanag, wife of the late John Quincy Adams who was a longtime friend of Ann’s and her family. Sending much love for beloved Ann, who was a Smithie, and she was happy that I went to Wellesley from the Philippines, also on a scholarship like her!

Katy White
1 month ago

Remembering all of Aunt Ann’s generosity, guidance and love throughout my life. She is a great lady. I will miss her, but her influence will always be with me.

Jean Frey
1 month ago

Hello Ann
Love,
Sis

Joan Adams
1 month ago

Ann was the epitome of love, kindness, and strength. Sending much love to her beloved family, who I knew back in their Larchmont years. We were neighbors and friends, whom I will always remember.

Lesley Dickson (Ann’s Daughter)
1 month ago

From Gail two pictures – Gail Shapiro, Barb Honthumb, Ann in 2001

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Money-Order-Promo-Gail-Karen-Anne
Lesley Dickson (Ann’s Daughter)
1 month ago

Pictures from Irene Brown and the ETHS Yearbook, capturing Ann’s graciousness

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Pauline Pepin
2 months ago

I first met Ann while auditing a class on Mozart at Boston University. We became close friends, audited classes together and shared the joy of attending many cultural events. Will miss her smile, Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the virtual celebration of life. My deepest condolences to all the family.

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