Ms. Louise Hicks Smith

Family, friends, patients, and colleagues are mourning the loss of Louise Whitridge Hicks Smith, 71, of Stephens City, VA. who, following a two-and-a-half year battle with aggressive multiple myeloma, succumbed to the disease at Winchester Medical Center on April 14, 2024. Louise was born on November 27, 1952 in Baltimore, Md. She was the daughter of Dr. Hugh Francis Hicks, periodontist and founder of the Mount Vernon Museum of Incandescent Lighting, the world's largest collection of light bulbs, and his wife, Mary Louise Amos Hicks. She received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from Hood College in Frederick, Md. in 1974, and an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from Towson University. She practiced dental hygiene for almost forty years, most recently at the office of Dr. Patrick J. Woznak, in Winchester, Va. Her hobbies included gardening, playing harp with the Winchester Celtic Circle, artwork, calligraphy, and needlework. She showed her flair for fashion through wonderfully original hats and well made, feminine clothing in beautiful jewel tones. She loved travel, the beach, walking, and golf. She was a lifelong Episcopalian who found the church a source of nourishment and support. Louise adored cats, and was the proud mother to two outdoor and four indoor cats at the time of her death. When asked by doctors if she lived alone, she always replied, matter-of-factly, "No, I live with my six cats." Her cats were family to her, and will miss her terribly. It is remarkable how often friends from all stages of her life use the same accolades to describe her: gentle, sensitive, a good listener, non-judgmental, kind, and just plain nice. She was continually optimistic and hopeful, never gave up, and always saw the brighter side of life. She was endlessly curious and inquisitive, with a knack for making the most mundane moments extraordinarily interesting and funny. Louise is survived by her daughter, Courtenay Smith, of Winchester, Va., her son Brian Smith (Candice) of New York, N.Y., sister Frances Apollony (William), of Baltimore, niece Karen Apollony of Baltimore, and nephew Andrew Apollony of Cockeysville, Md. Louise had hundreds of friends, classmates, patients, and well wishers who loved her very much. She will be sorely missed by all. A viewing is planned for Tuesday, April 23, from 2-4 and 5-7PM, at Mitchell Wiedefeld Funeral Home in Towson, Md. A funeral mass is planned for Wednesday, April 24, at 12:30PM at St. David's Episcopal Church in Baltimore. A celebration of life is planned for Friday, May 10, at 7:30PM at Christ Episcopal Church in Millwood, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the International Myeloma Foundation, or to BARCS.

Ms. Louise Hicks Smith

November 27, 1952 - April 14, 2024