Lifelong service, community spirit earns Smith WOW nod

The Women Honoring Women committee is proud to announce Dee Ann Smith as a 2026 Bonner County Women of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, recognizing her lifelong dedication to service, leadership, compassion, and her commitment to strengthening and supporting her community through meaningful involvement and impact.

For decades, Smith has quietly impacted countless lives through education, volunteerism, mentorship, and friendship. Whether in the classroom, on the ski hill, at a fundraiser, or supporting a neighbor in need, Smith has devoted her life to bringing people together and uplifting others.

A longtime educator, Smith spent more than 35 years teaching elementary students and inspiring a love of learning in children from all backgrounds. Colleagues and former students remember her classrooms as warm, creative spaces rooted in encouragement and belonging. She later transitioned to online education with Idaho Virtual Academy, where she also organized in-person social events that helped students and families stay connected and built community within a virtual learning environment.

In her 50s, while teaching full-time, Smith earned a master’s degree from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Today, she continues pursuing interests ranging from Spanish and Mahjong to travel, reading, and community involvement.

Since moving to Sandpoint more than 25 years ago, Smith has volunteered extensively with Angels Over Sandpoint, supporting fundraisers including the Follies, Angels Tea, Italian Open Golf Scramble and scholarship efforts, backpack initiatives, and CHAFE 150 events — all benefiting local children and families.

Not all of Smith’s contributions were through volunteering. She was a welcoming presence at Schweitzer supporting ski school operations and later brought the same warmth and enthusiasm to Pend Oreille Winery. In both roles, her positivity and care for others made her someone guests and coworkers naturally gravitated toward.

Friends describe Smith as someone who always shows up — delivering meals, organizing volunteers, transporting supplies, and quietly helping wherever needed. She also helped establish Communities Creating Connections in Kooskia, Idaho, a grassroots organization focused on community improvement projects.

Throughout her life, Smith has inspired others through her joyful spirit, resilience, and ability to make people feel valued and included. Friends credit her with introducing them to skiing, pickleball, volunteering, travel, and new adventures.

Perhaps most inspiring is the grace and determination with which Smith has faced Parkinson’s disease. She continues to embrace life through hiking, biking, pickleball, volunteering, and time with family and friends, inspiring others with her courage and positivity.

Above all, Dee Ann Smith embodies the spirit of the Women of Wisdom honor through decades of leadership, service, generosity, and care for others that have left a lasting impact on the Bonner County community.

Smith joins fellow 2026 honorees Nancy McAdam, Sharon Bistodeau, Rebecca Hawkins, and Sue Brooks, all recognized for their leadership, service, and lasting impact on the community.

The Women of Wisdom Gala Luncheon honoring these exceptional women will be held Saturday, June 13, at Marigold Bistro in Sandpoint. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by calling Diane at (208) 290-6362 or by emailing [email protected].