Obituary: Deane Austin Smigrod

Approaching a remarkable century of life, Deane Austin Smigrod, a woman of fervent faith, political acumen, and a passion for sports, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Somerby Sandy Springs Senior Living near Atlanta.

Born into a world vastly different from the one she left, Mrs. Smigrod’s 99 years were marked by her strong convictions, love for family, and a zest for life that defied the constraints of age.

A life-long learner and advocate, she wove a rich tapestry of experiences from her early days in Columbia, S.C., to her impactful years in Greensboro, N.C.; Roslyn, N.Y.; and Sandy Springs, Ga.

Her story is a testament to the power of enduring love, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of staying connected in an ever-changing world.

Funeral services were held at 10 am, Sunday, March 10, 2024, at graveside in the Greensboro Hebrew Cemetery (2911 W. Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27403). Temple Emanuel Senior Rabbi Andy Koren officiated.

Mrs. Smigrod was born Feb. 17, 1925, in Columbia, S.C., to the late Arnold and Rosalie (Rosenberg) Austin. She graduated from Connecticut College for Women (now known as Connecticut College) with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and from Long Island University with a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science. She was also accepted into law school at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. – though chose not to attend.

Mrs. Smigrod was an avid golf and tennis enthusiast – and even when off the course and courts maintained her enjoyment through watching both sports on television. She continued to successfully compete in duplicate bridge after moving to Atlanta with the Atlanta Duplicate Bridge Center.

She had a love for politics and Fox News and was a member of the Greater Greensboro Republican Women’s Club. She was also a member of the North Metro Republican Women in Atlanta and was a member of an Atlanta Republican book club.

Her faith was of great importance to her as she was an active member of Temple Emanuel, and the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood in Greensboro – as well as the Greensboro Jewish Federation and was a life member of Hadassah.

She was a strong advocate for what she believed in and had a quick wit that was enjoyed by many.

Her proudest moments were those shared with her family – her husband, the late Seymour “Smig” Smigrod and her sons, Andrew Austin Smigrod and Daniel Lee Smigrod. She felt very blessed that they met and married such lovely, strong women – Lajla Nystad and Ann K. Moceyunas, respectively – and was happy her sons found love like she had experienced.

Although Andrew and his family live in Australia – the miles could not divide just how incredibly proud she was of her granddaughter, Emily and her husband, Ivan, and how much she adored her energetic great-grandson, Miles. She enjoyed using video chat and email to stay connected and involved in their lives.

Mrs. Smigrod’s only sibling, Maxine Stone, of Port Washington and Manhasset, N.Y., died Oct. 15, 2020.

Mrs. Smigrod is survived by Maxine’s daughter and son-in-law, Audrey and Jacob Kurland, and their children, Marshall, Rebecca, and Alex – as well as Maxine’s son and daughter-in-law, Charles Stone and Anne “Marianne” Zissu and their children, Ben and Hava Stone. Mrs. Smigrod is also survived by Marshall and Jackie Kurland’s children Sophie and Maddie Kurland.

Mrs. Smigrod loved to reminisce about how she met, married, and loved “Smig” for over 60 years – and how much joy and memories they shared with their families of birth, the family they created together and their many friends. Seymour Smigrod was a Captain in the US Army (Ranger) during World War II. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The two first met while corresponding by mail during the war. “Smig” died July 3, 2008.

The family asks that any memorial donations be made to a charity chosen by the donor. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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