Michèle Anastasia Smith 1959-2025

Michèle Anastasia Smith 1959-2025

 Michèle Anastasia Smith, 66, passed away on December 31, 2025 due to complications from pneumonia and the flu. Born May 18, 1959 in Santa Monica California she was the daughter of J. Howard Smith and Anastasia Betty Boretos Smith.

      During Michèle's childhood her family moved frequently. In 1963 they left Los Angeles for Keeseville New York, followed by moves to Columbia, Missouri, and then to Morrisville New York in 1966. About two years later, the family settled in Cazenovia, New York. In 1973, ten years after leaving California, the family returned to Los Angeles, making their home in Encino. Michèle attended Corvallis High School, a Catholic Girls School, graduating with the class of 1977. That same year, Michèle moved to the Pioneer Valley to attend Smith College. While there, she pursued her passion for Music, studying organ with Vernon Gotwals, and graduated with the class of 1981. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Musicology from the Eastman School of Music in 1982. 

     After a year in Williamstown working for Broude Brothers, a music publishing company, Michèle returned to Northampton. She worked at the Smith College Library and later at the Jones Library in Amherst, where she was employed from 1984 to 1987. In 1987, Michèle left library work to pursue a full time career teaching piano. She taught at both the Northampton Community Music Center and the Community Music School of Springfield, sharing her deep love of music with students of all ages.. In addition to her piano teaching, Michèle directed the Paradise City Singers and several children's choirs for the Northampton Community Music Center. 

     Beginning in her senior year at Smith College, Michèle also served continuously as a church organist and choir director, working with many congregations throughout the region. Most recently she worked at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Springfield and the Leverett Congregational Church. At Leverett, where she had directed the choir since 2007, she was deeply beloved for her musicianship, warmth and devotion. 

    Throughout her life and career, Michèle was known for her creativity, humor, and her remarkable ability to bring the joy of music to everyone around her. Her presence enriched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

 Michèle is survived by her longtime love, Robert Winternitz and many cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Thomas J.B. Smith.  A celebration of Michèle's life will be held at a future date.