By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
HEBRON – Former state Rep. Suzanne Smith, D-Hebron, conservationist and leader for the lakes, who served the voters of Plymouth, Holderness and Hebron from 2008-22, has died.
Smith died Jan. 6 surrounded by loved ones, said former state Rep. Joyce Weston D-Plymouth.
Smith was chair of the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee when the Democrats were in the majority and an ardent advocate for clean water, child health and recreation.
Weston wrote of the “very sad news,” with “a hole in my heart.”
“Our amazing Suzanne—conservationist, birder, hiker, wildlife tracker, reader, scuba diver, singer, NH House representative, local library volunteer, and a friend to all, passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon,” she wrote to friends. “She was surrounded by her daughters and close friends.
“We’ll let you know about a service as plans evolve. Thank you for all your support and concern during Suzanne’s illness. She was an amazing woman, an inspiration to many, and a spirit of energy and hope.”
Smith was sponsor of bills on OHRV use, definitions for “wake” boats, greenhouse gas emissions legislation, composting, rail trail management, rural access to broadband and sponsored a bill in support of the Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid which is being forced to move from the former Laconia State School property due to its pending sale.
Born in Green Bay, Wisc., in 1948, she was a copy editor and broadcaster and owned a natural food store from 1977 to 1998.
She was treasurer of the New Hampshire Audubon Pemi-Baker Chapter from 2008.
Smith was certified by the Council for Homeopathic Certification in 2002 and served as assistant editor/copy editor for the American Homeopathic Journal.
Andrea LaMoreau, president and policy advocate for NH LAKES, said the organization was deeply saddened by the news of Smith’s passing.
“We were so honored to select Suzanne as the inaugural recipient of the Reverend Sidney Lovett Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Advocacy in 2022.”
LaMoreau noted in her remarks at the award “when she’s not out paddling, Representative Suzanne Smith spends her time advocating tirelessly to support and enact lake-friendly legislation. In her seven terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Suzanne has been a powerful voice for our lakes, making her the perfect candidate” for the award.
Michelle Davis Farnham of NH LAKES said Smith was “…a leader and voice for all our lakes, especially inside the State House.”
Smith said of the award, “I worked with Sid Lovett for two years, and when he spoke, it was profound. I learned a lot from him about gathering people together to find common ground on the issues that affect our lakes.”
“You don’t have to be a full-time advocate for our lakes. It’s as easy as spreading the word, chatting with a neighbor, or teaching our children and grandchildren how to care for the lake they love.”
Smith was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John Lloyd in December, 2014.