Isa Drown (Davidson) Smith to continue her “wander-itis.” Never one to sit still for long as she would get “antsy,” Isa D had a passion for travel and explored many corners of the earth.
On June 14, 1930 – Flag Day as she always proudly noted – Isa was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts to John and Harriet Davidson, and sister to Virginia. Smart as a whip, Isa graduated as the valedictorian of her class, quite an achievement for a woman of her time. It was one summer that Isa met her only love, Howard “Cappy” Smith of Marblehead. At 18 years old, they married and settled in his family home in Barnegat where they created their family and spent their life. Isa was mother to Stephen (Paula) Smith, Deborah (Stephen) Mooney, Clifford Smith; grandmother to Jennifer (Kevin) Snow, Abigail (David) Gillespie, and Jeremy (Joan) Smith; and three great-grandchildren – all of whom loved her dearly.
Isa enjoyed summers with her family on the Songo River in Naples, Maine, and chatting on the beloved front porch of “Tern Inn” on Tinkers Island with the Davies Clan and many others. Isa always surrounded herself with those she loved, especially her best friend and confidant Betsy Davies. The self-proclaimed “Mayor of Barnegat,” Isa could be found at Little Harbor tending to her flowerpots, sitting on the bench with her nightly “martooni” (straight up with two olives), and in the days gone by playing her accordion for everyone’s delight. She loved her neighborhood dearly and it is where she met some of her closest friends including Arlene Willard and Betty Breuhaus.
“Wander-itis” always kept Isa going. As a widow for the second half of her life, Isa was independent, brave, and open to adventure. She was perpetually “running away” to discover the world around her: from riding elephants in Thailand, exploring the pyramids of Egypt, and visiting Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Europe (especially Italy), and beyond, Isa never let a year pass without a trip being planned. In fact, that was her favorite topic of conversation. As an avid reader, when her physical body was not in motion, she was happiest in her corner chair, surrounded by books, nose deep in anything she could get her hands on.
Those who knew and loved Isa D will remember her vibrant smile, happy disposition, and desire to enjoy life’s adventures wherever they may be. She lived a full life, and for that we are grateful.
In lieu of flowers, the family has created the “Isa D. Smith Memorial Fund” at the National Grand Bank; donors can send checks to Meredith Ingalls’ attention at the bank. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
