Betty Smith
Elizabeth “Betty” Harris Smith, 91, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, optimism, and a passion for education.
Betty was born on September 25, 1933 in Newton to Dorothy Pollard Harris and Stephen Wendover Harris. She arrived with an innate curiosity that guided her through a life filled with educational pursuits and community involvement. Betty attended Colby College in Maine, receiving a bachelor’s degree in English in 1955, and later continued her education at Radcliffe’s adult education program. She worked as the assistant to the president of MIT, James Killian, before leaving that position to marry Harold Dean Smith, a grad student, and become a homemaker and mother.
A talented writer and editor, Betty co-owned the Lincoln Review, a local magazine where her skills shone. Over the years, the Lincoln Review published thousands of news stories, artwork, poetry, historical articles, letters to the editor, and more. Betty enjoyed encouraging new writers and poets from Lincoln. Her love for words extended beyond her professional life; she was known for her friendly and chatty nature, always ready to share a story or lend an ear.
Betty had a zest for life that was evident in her many interests. She loved tennis, travel, writing, and anything to do with Betty Boop. She and her late husband traveled often, going to France, England, Turkey, India, New Zealand, Japan, Hungry, Anguilla, and many other places. Her dedication to tennis went beyond the court as she served on the Lincoln Tennis Committee for many years. Later in life she could be found swimming and relaxing at Valley Pond almost every day. Her commitment to education and community was reflected in her work with the Lincoln Scholarship Committee. A scholarship was established in her name and will continue to honor her legacy by supporting students after high school.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Dean Smith, and is survived by her children—Dean Smith and his wife Belinda, Caron King, Eric Smith and his wife Kathy, and Craig Smith — and grandchildren Jessica Smith, Krysta Smith, Susannah King, Kamille Smith, and Stephen Smith, all of whom she loved dearly. Those who knew Betty will forever remember her as friendly, sweet-hearted, and optimistic to a fault.
May Betty’s memory inspire all who knew her to live with curiosity and explore the world, embracing each day as a gift.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to gather for a celebration of Betty’s life on Friday, March 28 at 3:00pm at the First Parish Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Betty Smith Honorary Award, Lincoln Scholarship Committee, PO Box 6283, Lincoln, MA 01773.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. To leave a comment on her online tribute wall, click here.