Anita Louise Smith

Anita Louise (Bianchini) Smith was born on February 27, 1943, in Highland Park, Illinois, to Charles Bianchini and Constance Rose (Skobel) Bianchini. She grew up alongside her sister, Marcia Bianchini, and moved with her family to Arizona in 1956, where she spent her formative years.

Anita attended Northern Arizona University, where she was a founding member of the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter in 1963 and served as chapter president in 1964. She graduated in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education, beginning a lifelong passion for teaching and learning.

She moved to Sacramento, California, to begin her teaching career, where she met a handsome, young Air Force pilot, John Smith, at a friend’s house party. They were married 6 months later on July 15, 1967. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and love, living across the world in Texas, Minnesota, Germany, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and eventually moving to Ohio in 1976.

Anita was a devoted educator who believed deeply in the potential of every student, from elementary to high school—and became especially passionate about Montessori education while teaching at Nightingale Montessori School in Springfield, OH. Received her Montessori certification from Xavier University, she taught across the world, from Sacramento, Texas, Ramstein (Germany), Minnesota, and Ohio.

Beyond the classroom, Anita was an advocate for social justice and equality. She believed everyone deserved a fair chance in life and encouraged others to stay informed, get involved, and make their voices heard. She never shied away from difficult conversations and was known for her willingness to listen without judgment, always helping others find a path forward. Whether she was in a room full of military generals or a classroom of young students, she met people at their level and showed them unconditional support.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cooking and baking, tending to her flowers and garden, walking in nature, reading, playing cards, and listening to music. She is remembered for her spirited debates (especially with the radio), and attended many political rallies and protests. With Anita by your side, you felt unstoppable.

Anita and John shared a love of travel and explored the world together, with Italy and Hungary holding a special place in her heart. She also cherished time with loved ones, often gathered around a beautifully prepared meal, a good glass of wine, and meaningful conversation. After retiring, she and John spent much of their time at their lake home in Park Rapids, MN. Here they would spend their days on the boat, fishing, and enjoying moments with their friends and family.

Her greatest joy came later in life when she became “Oma” to her beloved grandchildren — Mitchell, Myra, and Isaac Smith; and Madelyn and Declan McCurdy. She also adored her many grand-puppies. She is survived by her children — Peter Smith, Andrew Smith, and Sarah Smith McCurdy (Patrick), who carry forward her strength, compassion, and unwavering spirit.

Anita lived with passion and purpose to the very end, always believing in the goodness of the world and the power each of us has to make it better.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 18th at St. Josephine Bakhita Church, 6077 Sharon Woods Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229, beginning at 1:00pm.

A Celebration of Life will follow the Mass... Please continue to visit Anita’s memorial page for Celebration of Life venue and time details as they become available.

Anita loved both lavender and turquoise colors - we encourage people to honor her memory by wearing their favorite spring colors to Mass and the Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dementia Society of America or Nightingale Montessori.

Dementia Society of America: https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12349024502&gbraid=0AAAAADEgG1zKeEvPiv-gjOHiMBtlwCIm0&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7cLOBhDmARIsAGsuA0lolvUbQfmKxogYUMx4bvblbzHVJpisVCy75wKwYyBX1bpQJnPWrUoaApxgEALw_wcB

Nightingale Montessori: https://www.nightingalemontessori.org/support-nightingale/donate-now/