Christine Smith

Montecito, California — Christine Atwood Smith passed away peacefully in her home on July 7, 2025. She was 77.

Christine was an adventurer, and woman of selflessness, generosity and wit. She grew up in Westport, Connecticut, the daughter of Julian and Elizabeth Smith, and attended the Emma Willard School and Arcadia University.

Christine lived in New York before marrying Paul Wassenaar and moving to San Diego, where she began raising her two sons, Julian and Blake. Motherhood was her greatest devotion and she brought to it the same joy, creativity, and dedication she showed in every area of life.

Christine began her professional journey as an interior designer, founding the San Diego School of Interior Design and serving as the San Diego President of the American Society of Interior Designers. Through her work and teaching, she inspired students with the belief that design could be both personal and transformative.

In 1990, Christine moved to Denver, where she married Lon Schreur. Christine deepened her commitment to women’s causes through her work with the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, supporting local initiatives that uplifted and empowered women.

She was a passionate traveler, marathon runner, bridge player, and storyteller. She fished for salmon in Alaska, sailed the Galapagos, biked the backroads of Thailand and delighted in big adventures across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. She laughed easily, loved practical jokes, and brought a sparkle to every room.

After moving to Santa Barbara in 2000, she poured her energy into women’s causes, including the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara. To honor her legacy, donations can be made in her name to the Women’s Fund.

Christine is survived by her sons and their families.

Christine’s adventurous spirit, deep faith, and boundless love will leave a lasting impression on those who knew her. She taught us the beauty of adventure, the value of friendship, and the enduring ideal of selflessness. She will be joyfully remembered.