MOLLIE STEVENS SMART
April 11, 1916 ~ October 22, 2012
Mollie S. Smart died at her home in Ridgefield, WA, on October 22, the end of a long, productive, interesting life. Intellectual, teacher, wife, mother, friend, she influenced many people throughout the world with her ideas, teaching, compassion, global perspective, and knowledge.
Born in Chatham, Ontario, to Mildred and Starr Stevens, she earned her honors Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Toronto, her MA degree in Child Development from the University of Michigan and the Merrill-Palmer Institute in Detroit, her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Delhi. In 1939 she married Russell Cook Smart, also a professor of Child Development, and not only her lifelong soul mate, but her professional partner as well. They taught Child Development, lectured, and published as a team at Merrill-Palmer Institute, Cornell University, University of Rhode Island, Massey University (New Zealand), University of Guelph (Canada), and Delhi University. Mollie wrote and published 26 books, including, with Russell, two best selling university text books in 4 editions. For many years she wrote a column for Parents Magazine and other popular magazines. Mollie and Russell were involved in setting up Head Start, as the well-being of children and families was their primary academic focus. In Washington she continued working for children through Babies in Need. (babiesinneed.org)
Mollie was a member of the American Psychological Association, Society for Research on Child Development, National Council on Family Relations, Groves Conference, National Council on Family Relations, Phi Kappa Phi, Sierra Club, Democratic Party, Fulbright Association. She held Fulbright research grants in India and New Zealand. She travelled around the globe four times. She managed to keep her vow not to die until she had cast her vote for President Obama this year.
Mollie is survived by her three daughters, who in the family tradition are all PhDs, Susan Smith (Virginia), Laura Smart (Illinois), and Ellen Smart (Ridgefield).
A memorial service is planned at a later date.
If you wish to honor Mollie with a charitable contribution, please send it to Babies In Need, POB 65825, Vancouver, WA 98665.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
One of the most wonderful women I've known. Miss her already.
Jennifer
November 6, 2012
Mollie enriched my life. I am fortunate to have known her and the family. Even though I haven't seen her in years, I felt near her and I shall miss her. With deepest sympathy to you, Ellen and all the family.
Phyllis
November 6, 2012
Molly was witty, wise and so warm-hearted. She enriched us all, and we will miss her.
Soumitra Ghosh
November 4, 2012
Brinda Dubey
November 4, 2012
Mollie is a constant inspiration to me in memory as in life. Thank you for the beautiful and informative obit. I am so delighted she got to vote.
Elise Astleford
November 4, 2012
Mollie, we will miss your physical presence but your influence and memory will always be with us. Thank you for your contributions to us all. With love, Robin Dalton.
November 4, 2012
Clever woman to raise 3 well-educated daughters. May her memory be for a blessing for all who benefited from her teaching/writing and encouragement.
Ellen A.
November 4, 2012
It was a privilege to not only know Molly but to have both Ellen and her as our neighbors... She will be greatly missed, especially now when so many children need help in these hard times!
D & D Leichtling
November 4, 2012
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more