Rachel Smith
Published March 28, 2010
Rachel Smith died of a heart attack March 28 while snorkeling in the Caribbean. She was 85.
Born Rachel Crawford in Sunnyside, she earned a degree at UW, taught high school English in Edmonds and Port Townsend, and married Robert Smith.
They moved to Bainbridge in 1969. A renowned civic activist, Rachel advocated for parks at Blakely Harbor and Rockaway Beach, an island lighting ordinance, working for waterfronts, water access and native plants. Rachel, a talented woodworker and museum docent, enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening and rowing.
Preceded in death in 2008 by her husband, Bob; Rachel is survived by sister Sara Drogheo, brother Pat; and children Toby, Audrey Nickell and Nathan.
An informal gathering to remember Rachel and Bob will be held this summer.