Nancy Smith Pfeiffer

Memorial trees planted for:

Nancy Smith Pfeiffer

<p>Nancy Smith Pfeiffer, of Ashlar Village, Wallingford formerly of North Haven, died on Tuesday January 28, 2025 at the age of 102. She was the wife of the late Dagobert “Dag” Pfeiffer. Nancy was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, daughter of the late George H.E. Smith and Elizabeth Wehner Smith (Betty Smith author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn). She was predeceased by her sister Mary MacCaulty and her nephew John Carroll. Nancy grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Shelton, Connecticut. She received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She obtained her Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Michigan. After her mother died in 1972 Nancy devoted much of her life to representing her mother’s legacy. She was always happy to speak with school groups, libraries, book clubs and anyone who had an interest in the life of Betty Smith and what it was like to grow up the daughter of the famous author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.</p><p>A gifted photojournalist and an adventurer, Nancy loved to travel the world with her husband, Dag, photographing and journaling about the lands they visited with particular interest in the people and customs of different countries. The trips she most enjoyed included chronicling the Maasai tribe and photographing wild game on a safari in Tanzania, sailing down the Volga River in Russia, zip lining through the forests of Costa Rica, climbing Machu Picchu in Peru, biking through China, and hiking and skiing in the beautiful Alps of Switzerland.</p><p>Nancy culled from her many experiences to create her art of writing and storytelling. She was a writer of short stories, poetry and books for children and received several awards for her written works and photography. Nancy was past president of the Historical Society of North Haven, past member of the Mayflower Society, past program director of North Haven TV (NHTV) and lover of Sleeping Giant Park where she took great pleasure in hiking and identifying wildflowers. Nancy loved to visit Switzerland where she met the love of her life, Dag, and was happy to call it her second home where she resided for a number of years in the 60’s. She was also active in the Swiss American Association of CT.</p><p>A brilliant mind, unique personality and caring spirit combined to create an indelible mark on those who knew her.</p><p>Nancy is survived by her three children - Eric Pfeiffer of Mancos, CO, Elizabeth (David) Aivano of Berlin, CT and John Pfeiffer of Mancos, CO, grandchildren Derek (Casey) Aivano and Lauren (David) Dymtrow, step grandchildren Shawn (Heather) Eastman, Shannon (Chuck) DeMello and Ryan (Senika) Eastman, great grandchildren Molly, Charlotte, Brody, Brennon and Hazel and nieces Candace Carroll and Bonnie-Mary Carroll as well as her beloved cat, Rishu.</p><p>The family wishes to thank the team at Masonicare at Ashlar Village who so kindly cared for her over the past 16 years and the staff at Midstate Medical Center for their care and compassion in the last days of her life.</p><p>The visiting hours will be Tuesday morning, February 4th, from 8:30 to 10:30 in The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish in St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sleeping Giant Park Association, P.O. Box # 185340, Hamden, CT 06518.</p><p><br><br></p><p></p>
November 11, 1922 - January 28, 202511/11/192201/28/2025
Share Obituary:
Nancy Smith Pfeiffer
Nancy Smith Pfeiffer
7 Trees have been planted in memory of Nancy Pfeiffer.

Memorial Trees

A

Anonymous

February 05, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Nancy Smith Pfeiffer has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
Sending our condolences in loving memory ofNancy Smith Pfeiffer.Sincerely,Connie Weiskopf and Julius Kocsondy
D

Donna Lederle

February 04, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Nancy Smith Pfeiffer has been arranged by Donna Lederle. Plant a tree
For the outdoor adventurer, a tree in memory of a life well lived!
A

All Our Love, Peter, Vanessa & Victoria Franzese

February 03, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Nancy Smith Pfeiffer has been arranged by All Our Love, Peter, Vanessa & Victoria Franzese. Plant a tree
May this tree continue to bloom in Nancy's memory like she kept A Tree Grows in Brooklyn blooming for future generations to continue to be inspired.
A

Anonymous

February 03, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Nancy Smith Pfeiffer has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
With loving memories of "Nancy Smith Pfeiffer" from the 2 swiss friends Stefan and Toni
A

Anonymous

February 01, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Nancy Smith Pfeiffer has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree
Our thoughts & prayers are with you, your family & friends, Mrs. Pfeiffer. God Bless you all.With love, The Chapman Family xo