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Vassar College

CAROLINE DESPARD Obituary

CAROLINE SCOTT DESPARD
A longtime resident of Washington DC, died peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the age of 88. She possessed a sparkling wit and fine mind. Born in Baltimore, Caroline spent much of her childhood in Japan and graduated from Vassar College. She was the picture editor for Smithsonian Magazine from its inception in 1970 until her retirement in 1993. For a brief period in the 1950s she was an Italian Affairs specialist for the CIA. She also worked in Paris for the Time-Life bureau, and in New York and Washington, DC for various publications throughout her career. She is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren, three sisters and a brother. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 24 at 11 a.m. at All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church, 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW, Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JSSA Hospice, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852.

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

Published by The Washington Post on May 21, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for CAROLINE DESPARD

6 Entries

meryle

February 18, 2023

I met Caroline on the Ile de France when we were both en route to Paris in 1955. Over time she became my dearest friend. She left a huge hole in my life that can never be filled. Caroline, I miss you every day ---

Jill Elmendorf

June 3, 2017

She was a lovely charming woman. Always a delight to be with. My deepest sympathy to you all on her passing.

May 26, 2017

Jessie, you look so much like your mother! Though I had not met her personally, you obviously inherited all her great qualities, so I know her a bit through knowing you. My deepest condolences to you and your family..

Britt Sjoerdsma

May 23, 2017

Caroline was a grand lady. A great lady. She carried herself with so much power and poise and laser focus.

I've know her since I met Jessie in 1974, and was always impressed with her class and accomplishments, especially for a woman of the pre-feminist era.

I had the pleasure of working for her for 3 years. She was a no-nonsense boss and wielded great power on the "boys' club" masthead at Smithsonian Magazine.

My condolences to her friends and family, especially Jessie, Alice, Kevin, Stu, Matthew, Dillon and Gwen. She was a force of nature and loved you all dearly. You carry a little bit of her daring with you. She will be forever in your hearts and greatly missed by all.

Terry Nonnenmacher Golden

May 22, 2017

Caroline, I will always remember you during my time at SMITHSONIAN Magazine as a smart, sophisticated, gracious lady. Your picture makes me smile as I remember your great sense of humor! Your life was significant and you will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to your family.

Thomas Donaldson

May 21, 2017

Caroline was a treasure. She will be missed by all. Love!

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support CAROLINE's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.