Kathryn Anne Smiley, a veteran Washington area direct marketer who worked for the Special Olympics International and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, passed away Nov. 11 in Arlington, VA.
Ms. Smiley was not just a marketer, but also a teacher at a Montessori school and at the Clarendon United Methodist Church. She was a yoga teacher, too.
“She really encouraged and inspired so many of us with her leadership and warmth,” said Linda L. Fisher, friend and peer of Ms. Smiley and president of Preferred Communications, a direct marketing agency in Cary, NC, and Alexandria, VA.
Ms. Smiley’s 20-year career as a direct marketer began with an entry-level position at the Guy Yolton Advertising Agency, taking her all the way to director of direct marketing at the Special Olympics International.
As director of development for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Ms. Smiley doubled not only the number of donors but also the revenue.
She was an active member of the Direct Marketing Association of Washington, serving on its board and as its president in 1987. The 1,500-member association named her “Professional of the Year” in 1988.
“As the president of DMAW, she brought tremendous stability and growth to the organization,” Ms. Fisher said.
With her retirement from direct marketing, Ms. Smiley turned her attention to the design and creation of fine art. She was featured in several juried shows in Virginia, her home state. She was a 1969 Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University.
The Richmond, VA-born Ms. Smiley was married in 1995 to David E. Andelman, who survives her. They lived in Arlington, where she was known for her gardening skills.
Contributions in Ms. Smiley’s name may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA 22206.
The funeral service was held Nov. 15, with the burial immediately after at the Columbia Gardens.
Ms. Smiley was 60. She died of lung cancer.
