Jane Llewellyn Smith
1935 – 2016
Jane Llewellyn Smith, of Orient, teacher, pianist and writer, died at home April 3rd, on her 81st birthday. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Jane graduated from Smith College as a music major and later took an advanced degree in education at Bank Street College. With her college friend Mary Jane De Genaro she invented MusicShapes, a computer program for children.
She taught for almost thirty years at City and Country School in Greenwich Village, and was acting principal for two of them. Passionate about progressive education, she published a book last year, Through the Passageway, about her experiences teaching children at City and Country School.
Having visited during the summer for many years, Jane retired to Orient in 1998. She loved swimming in the Sound, tending her garden, practicing piano, and cooking local produce for friends.
She was Assistant Director and member of the Narrow River Singers and adapted many songs for the women’s chorus. She was also a Board Member of Oysterponds Community Activities and organizer of the OCA concert series at Poquatuck Hall.
Jane was pre-deceased by her former husband, Ruel Stevenson Smith, and her life partner Cynthia Beer. She leaves her beloved sons Andy and Steve Smith, daughter Linda Catlin Smith and son-in-law Rick Sacks, her extended family Barbara and Lily Sacharow, many devoted and saddened friends, and her inconsolable cats, Henry and James.
Contributions in Jane’s memory may be given to Oysterponds Community Activities or to the Peconic Community School. A memorial service will be held at Poquatuck Hall in Orient on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 3 pm.
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