Doris Smart

Doris Smart, 92, of Atlanta, Georgia, formerly of Oviedo, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at her home at Lenbrook with her loving daughters by her side. Born on June 30, 1934, in New Britain, Connecticut, to Nerses and Vartanouch (Joseph) Azizian, Doris attended New Britain High School and Central Connecticut State University, where she earned her degree in elementary education.

Doris taught elementary school across the country and in Germany, and later became a substitute teacher and a tutor. It was in Amberg, Germany, at a mixer for the young US Army officers and teachers, she met Ernie Smart, who became her husband of 59 years. As an officer's wife, she gracefully navigated numerous moves across the country before settling in Oviedo, Florida, where they happily resided for nearly 40 years.

As an award-winning artist, Doris began her career early using oils and watercolors, later expanding to batik, silk painting, mixed media, and abstract acrylics. Her art was unique, colorful, and inspiring. As a Lifetime member of the Artists League of Orange County, she spent years serving as an officer and on the board directors. Doris also managed local art exhibition spaces, serving as the director for both the Gallery on Virginia and Creative Spirit Art Gallery in Orlando where she championed the work of fellow artists.

She was known for her love of the arts, travel, tennis, and yoga. Doris will truly be remembered for her never-ending big smile, devotion to her family, her silly sense of humor, her passion for cats, and her love of music and dancing. Though she is gone, her legacy and memory will forever be kept alive through her art.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Smart and her sisters: Florence Turlington, Clara Sanford, Gloria Garvey; and her niece, Linda Sanford Hall.

She is survived by her loving family, including her daughters, Cheryl Smart (Philip Fairbrother) of Seneca, SC, and Pamela Smart of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren, Rachael Cohen (Joshua) of Chesapeake, VA, and Trevor Kierecki of Atlanta, GA; and her great-grandson, Rhett Cohen; her nephews, Weston Sanford (Laura) and David Sanford (Wendy), along with her great-niece and great-nephews. Doris also leaves behind her cherished cats, Bobby and Rusty.

The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregivers, Capstone Hospice, and her Lenbrook friends and staff for their kindness and support.

Doris will be laid to rest next to her husband, Ernest Smart, in the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood at weareplannedparenthood.org and Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando at petallianceorlando.org