Remembering Mimi Abel Smith

Written by Middleburg Life Staff | Photo by Janet Hitchen 

The team at Middleburg Life was deeply saddened by the news of Mimi Abel Smith’s passing in July. A board member of the National Sporting Library & Museum, Piedmont Environmental Council, and Citizens for Fauquier County, as well as an Upperville Colt & Horse Show participant for 50 years, Smith was a pillar of the community and will be sorely missed by the many that knew her. 

“Mimi was a wonderful person and so dedicated to conservation and preserving Fauquier County. She loved her farm. Her mother was one of the founders of the Virginia Outdoor Foundation. The foundation has more conservation easements in Virginia than anyone … and Mimi was very interested in supporting the legacy of Virginia Outdoor Foundation,” shared her friend Jim Rich. He adds, “She was a great patriot, loved this country, and a great human being. She was a doer and a giver, and gave back to the community.” 

In a tribute to Smith from July 3, Chris Miller, the president of the Piedmont Environmental Council, wrote, “She led by example, whether in encouraging conservation easements, sponsoring events for PEC and our many partners, or taking the time to represent the community at important public meetings. … I appreciated her courage and humor, her sense of fun, and her unflagging support of PEC staff. She always arrived early for PEC board meetings, with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. We will miss her voice and advocacy for conservation of Fauquier and the Piedmont.”  

Cynthia Benitz, Smith’s goddaughter, shared, “She always helped any young people that showed interest in something passionately to get connected through her amazing network with someone who could direct you into a job or project that was a perfect match for your talents. She was excited and encouraged to put people together that could protect our beautiful countryside. Her support for the Piedmont Environmental Council was inspirational and optimistic that we could protect this amazing farm country! I loved being her goddaughter and was lucky to be drawn to Virginia by my mum’s and her lifetime friendship.”

Smith leaves behind a legacy of good deeds and important causes, and her impact on Hunt Country will never be forgotten. ML

Published in the August 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.