In Memoriam: 2010s

Notices sorted by graduation date

Mary “Shelley” Sigmond Goldsmith (Col ’16) of Abingdon, Virginia, died August 31, 2013. She was a second-year Jefferson Scholar and a member of Alpha Phi sorority; a volunteer at UVA’s Madison House, where she taught conversational English to refugees; a worker for Habitat for Humanity; and a mentor to first-year Jefferson Scholars. In high school, she received numerous academic and service awards. She took pride in her many leadership roles, including president of the student council; captain of the tennis team; president of Venture Crew 71; a volunteer coordinator at the food bank; and an active member of Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church. Ms. Goldsmith was a devoted friend who loved fashion, dance, tennis, hiking, sailing, political activism and crossword puzzles. And, much to the surprise and delight of her friends, she could also drive a tractor and shoot proficiently. While taking classes at UVA and working in Charlottesville during the summer of 2013, Ms. Goldsmith cemented her resolve to work for social justice through her studies at UVA. Family, friends and her home community adored her, and she will forever be missed. She adored her brother and her three nephews, having embraced the role of aunt at the age of 7. Survivors include her parents, who have established a memorial scholarship in her honor through the Jefferson Foundation; a brother; three nephews; her grandmother; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, including Owen D. Thomas (Engr ’83 L/M), Joseph Thomas (Col ’85 L/M), and Owen Harold “Hank” Thomas (Col ’19 L/M).