Anne Bradstreet Smith

Anne was born April 13, 1947 in Waterbury, Connecticut to George Dudley Bradstreet and Annabelle Madeux Bradstreet. Growing up, her family spent summers in Connecticut and winters in Florida. In 1961, her family moved to Williamsburg. She graduated from James Blair High in 1965. She graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1969 where she had a distinguished career. She was a sister in Chi Omega sorority, active in student government, and served as a president’s aide. At graduation, she was honored with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award.

One week after graduation, Anne married Leslie Smith. She and Les made their home in Williamsburg while Les completed law school and Anne worked as a social worker for York County. In 1971, she gave birth to twin daughters Amanda and Carrie. She and Les had a son Brad, born in 1974.

In 1978, Anne returned to work for York County as manager of its housing and winterization program. Anne was a dedicated leader and committed to serving all members of the York County community. She retired after thirty-two years of service as Director of Community Services. Her portfolio included: libraries, parks and recreation, housing, juvenile justice, and legislative liaison. She was recognized as an expert in public service statewide. As a result of her efforts, sewer and water services were extended to the Lackey area; library service was expanded; and numerous parks were opened to serve the county. Anne played a key role in the formation of the Virginia Association of Local Human Services Officials, including serving as its President from 1993-1995.

Of all her achievements, perhaps the one of which she was most proud was her involvement with Child Development Resources (CDR). She was instrumental in the creation of the First Step Child Development Center, a lasting example of her vision for local government innovating to meet the direct needs of the community. In 2020, CDR honored Anne by naming its new playground facility after her.

Anne is survived by her husband Les; daughters Amanda (Michael) Cassidy and Carrie (Tim) Nee; and son Brad (Kym) Smith; and grandchildren Chance Smith and Christopher Smith; Madeux Cassidy and Aidan Cassidy; Annabelle Nee and Elise Nee.

There will be a visitation Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 6 to 8 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg. Masks and social distancing are required. A funeral mass will be scheduled for a date later this spring.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Anne’s memory to CDR, https://www.cdr.org/make-a-gift/