Andrea Wright

Easthampton, MA - Andrea Ware Wright

April 25, 1938 – February 3, 2026

Andrea Ware Wright passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2026, after a long journey with Parkinson's disease. Born on April 25, 1938, to Margaret Ethel Akins Wright and William Heermans Wright, Andrea grew up in Warren, Pennsylvania, where her parents instilled in her a love of learning, the arts, community, and service.

From an early age, Andrea was drawn to music, dance, and animals. She played the cello, studied ballet, and later taught at a local ballet school. She also developed a lifelong love of dogs, a joy that remained constant throughout her life. Andrea attended Smith College, where her curiosity about the wider world took hold, and later earned a master's degree in education from Harvard University. A formative semester in Italy sparked a lifelong love of travel, art, and shared meals.

In the early 1960s, Andrea joined one of the Peace Corps' pioneering programs, spending two years in Ethiopia teaching English and history. The experience deeply shaped her commitment to education, equity, and compassion. Her professional life included leadership roles with the Foreign Student Service Council, Self-Help Inc.'s Head Start program, and the Education Development Center.

Andrea went on to join the founding staff of Hampshire College, where she served for many years, most notably as Director of the Career Options Resource Center. She created the widely loved Life-Work-Planning course, helping people of all ages reflect on their strengths and paths forward.

Andrea was a devoted partner, friend, mentor, and advocate for peace. She delighted in cooking, music, theater, travel, spirited conversation, and dogs-especially rescues, who always seemed to find their way onto her lap. An active member of the Raging Grannies, she used humor and song to stand up for justice.

Andrea is survived by her wife, Peggy Anderson, their extended family, and many dear friends. She will be remembered for her warmth, wit, generosity, and unwavering belief in the dignity and potential of others.

A full obituary is available through the Mitchell funeral home https://www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com/listings. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andrea's memory to Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Feb. 10, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrea Wright

10 Entries

Martha N P

February 14, 2026

Andrea was such a lovely human! I was one of the many women benefited from the Life-Work Planning course she taught at Hampshire in the 90s. She was a woman of deep empathy and conviction - and always with an open door and a warm hug. I loved seeing her out and about with the Raging Grannies - smiling and lively. Rest in peace and power Andrea. My condolences to Peggy and her many other loved ones.

Susan Crossett Dilks

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Luis Hernandez

February 11, 2026

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ef/15/7F1C080A-8C9D-47E8-B214-E78E2173A319/IMG_3672.jpeg

A loving memory of EIP .....from the Holyoke kids and the Hampshire students who worked in the program.

Lucy McFadden

February 11, 2026

The warmth of Andrea's smile has stayed with me since I was a student at Hampshire College in its beginning years. I remember meeting her again at an event at Hampshire College a decade or more ago. I asked her what she was doing as a retired person? And now, as a retired person myself, I'm appreciating her answer, that she was enjoying her friends and family. Seeing her picture here puts a smile on my face and I hope her family and friends are also comforted by this picture and their memories of Andrea. Sending my condolences.

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Douglas Ware

February 9, 2026

I loved working with the EIP program she organized in the first years of Hampshire College. She loved children and helping those living in Holyoke, giving them a "leg up" despite their disadvantages. She always had a smile and a sense of enthusiasm about her that was contagious. The world has lost a kind soul. We need more like her.

Luis Hernandez

February 9, 2026

Thank you Andrea for your Life. More closely, was our work with the young students from Holyoke in the Early Identification Program at Hampshire. You made life long friendships and solid differences for many. So glad our lives crossed !

Frank Mahood

February 7, 2026

I have know Andrea since we were in Junior High School in Warren, Pennsylvania, and has remained a dear friend through the years, As a socially awkward teenager in a new environment, coming from a small parochial school to a large pubic school, she was one of the first to befriend me and ease my transition. With her knowledge, warm nature, and ready smile she became a dear friend that I would treasure the rest of my life. At difficult times, she always was there with good advice and friendly concern. She was at the center of a core group of high school friends that remained close, and gathered together for high school reunions and other events throughout the years. She will alway be missed.

Susan Crossett Dilks

February 7, 2026

My memories of Andy go back to early grade school: Walking the three blocks from her home to mine (and back and forth). Playing in our "Teeny Tiny Tuney Trio" (Andy's Mom gave us the name). Always orchestra, taffy pulls, being pianist for her ballet classes and bobbing for apples at her home, that fabulous cabin in the woods, so much hearty laughter -- life was fun back then with her. College pulled us in different directions but nothing can erase all the good memories. She'll be missed terribly.

Frank Mahood

February 7, 2026

I have know Andrea since we were in Junior High School in Warren, Pennsylvania, and she has remained a dear friend through the years, As a socially awkward teenager in a new environment, coming from a small parochial school to a large pubic school, she was one of the first to befriend me and ease my transition. With her knowledge, warm nature, and ready smile she became a dear friend that I would treasure the rest of my life. At difficult times, she always was there with good advice and friendly concern. She was at the center of a core group of high school friends that remained close, and gathered together for high school reunions and other events throughout the years. She will alway be deeply missed and will never be forgotten.

Cheryl King

February 5, 2026

Andrea , I had a wonderful year with you , caring for you and going for long rides and getting you your favorite treat Ice Cream, and learning so much about you from your friends and Peggy you had a amazing life, and your beautiful smile and holding your hand and now your on that bus back home to Warren Pennsylvania I knew you would catch it as much as I'm going to miss my girl But you are at peace and thank you for the wonderful ride Andy

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results