The donation you make will honor Michelle Smith and support the research of Dr. Elizabeth Comen at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in women in the United States, with more than 275,000 new cases projected for 2020. MSK is changing the face of treatment and prevention for breast cancer among women and men and we have an incredible opportunity to advance the research of Dr. Comen.

Michelle was a native, longtime resident, and one of the Washington area’s leading philanthropists. She was the daughter of artist Clarice Smith and the late Robert H. Smith, leading real estate developer and visionary behind the creation of Crystal City and a key benefactor of many institutions, both domestic and international. Her commitment to causes and institutions extended beyond writing checks. She would give time and participation. She would often remark: “If you believe in a cause you support it. And if you believe in the leader you provide them the resources to fully realize their vision.” For her, philanthropy was about partnerships. And those partnerships were broad, diverse, and extensive. She would leverage her many relationships to encourage cross collaboration among the organizations she was involved with. Michelle always led by example.

She held the position of President of the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation, having succeeded her father in January 2010. She served on The Aspen Institute Board of Trustees, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Leadership Council, Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies Board of Directors, Kennedy Center International Committee, Mayo Clinic Leadership Council, National Gallery of Art Trustees Council, University of Maryland College Park Foundation Board of Trustees, Hebrew University Board of Governors, Board of Trustees of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation that owns and operates Monticello, New-York Historical Society Board of Trustees, the Whitney Museum of Art National Committee, The Better Angels Society Board of Directors, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum Board of Commissioners.

Not one easily persuaded to put her name on walls and buildings, she only relented when convinced that it would inspire others to give. She possessed the highest of standards - excellence and perfection were everything to her. Her commitment to family and friends was no exception.

Over the course of the last seventeen years, she has quietly and courageously fought a terminal illness. Too much in love with life to allow it to slow her down, too curious and adventurous to stop learning, and all too concerned about family and loved ones to allow it to become a distraction, she solely took on every challenge and quietly strived until the end, never complaining, only smiling.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father, Robert H. Smith, and her brother, Steven Smith. She is survived by her mother, Clarice Smith of Upperville, VA; one daughter, Stacy Smith Liss of Los Angeles, CA; one son, Michael Smith Liss and his wife Lauren Lamb, of Bluemont, Virginia; one brother David Bruce Smith of Bethesda, MD; and two grandchildren, Leon Smith Liss, and Maddox Smith Liss.

Her grace, elegance, discernment, desire for perfection and excellence, and her commitment to making the most of every day and every situation are things that will continue to inspire and motivate all who knew and loved her.

Checks may be sent in Michelle’s honor to:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Development Office

Attention: Emily Carter

P.O Box 27106

New York, New York 10078-7106

Checks payable to “Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center”. Please write “Fund 312497” on the memo line.