BAR HARBOR – Priscilla P. Smith, 87, died peacefully June 23, 2005, at an area home. She had been struggling with many illnesses for several years. She was born Feb. 26, 1918, in Boston, Mass., the daughter of Ruth and Phil Phillips. She and her husband, the late Henry H. Smith, were known for their dedication to exploring and leading hikes for the “Footloose Friends” and their support for the Southwest Harbor Library. Her childhood years were spent in Portland and she was a graduate of Deering High School, went on to Pembroke University, then the women’s counterpart to Brown University and then received her Library Science Degree from the University of Chicago. Her first job was at the Lake Forest High School, Lake Forest, Ill. She was then employed at Brookline High School, Brookine, Mass. On Dec. 3, 1955, she married Henry H. Smith, a Providence, R.I., journal reporter and became a wife and mother to Henry and his three children. She brought to this family much love and support, wonderful meals, desserts, hand-knit sweaters, a love of literature and the out-of-doors. The family moved to the Washington, D.C. area where she was employed at American University and then the Freer Art Gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. During retirement, she was active in her support of the Southwest Harbor Library and helped in the rebuilding of the College of the Atlantic Library after the fire. She is survived by her three stepchildren, Parker F. Smith of Toronto, Betsy Y. Smith of Bar Harbor, Lucy A. Tracy of Bar Harbor; and two grandchildren, Christopher H. Tracy of Houston, Texas and Daniel P. Tracy of Haiku, Hawaii. A memorial service will be held during the last week of August, time and date to be determined. Those who desire may make contributions to either the Southwest Public Library, Southwest Harbor, ME or the College of the Atlantic Library, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
PRISCILLA P. SMITH
