MIDDLEBURY – Dorothy “Ann” Carlsmith, 92, formerly of Wilton Center and Amherst, NH, passed peacefully April 2, 2022, at the EastView at Middlebury, VT retirement community.

Ann was born on February 28, 1930 in Mount Vernon, in the Skagit valley of Washington, the daughter of Roland Cunningham Libby and Georgeanne Stout Libby. She grew up in Mount Vernon and then attended Stanford University, majoring in art history. There, she met her husband, Lawrence “Allan” Carlsmith. They were married in 1951, moving east so Allan could pursue graduate school at Boston.

Ann and Allan settled in historic Amherst, NH. While raising 4 children, Ann taught herself fiber arts and flower gardening, and she was interested in all things artistic. She was active in the League of NH Craftsmen Arts and Crafts in NH as an accomplished weaver.

When her children were grown, Ann moved to Wilton Center, NH. In a Victorian era home + barn she launched Stepping Stones Bed & Breakfast, and became a serious gardener on her 3 acres. She attended classes at the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard, earning a Certificate of Landscape Design. Over 40 years, Ann’s B&B attracted a loyal clientele from Boston and as well, travelers from Europe and the US.

Eventually Ann decided to sell her beloved B&B, and move to Hinesburg, Vermont, near her daughter Laura’s home and family. Ann settled into another little Victorian home with gardens, which she promptly filled with sweeps of flowers. She made new friends and enjoyed cultural events in the Burlington area for a decade, and then moved the EastView senior community, next to Middlebury College.

Ann is survived by daughter Laura Carlsmith and Robert Bast, grandchildren Lee Bast and Emma Bast; son Bruce Carlsmith of Portola Valley, CA and Lisa Putnam, grandchildren Jennifer Carlsmith, and Ryan Carlsmith; son Duncan Carlsmith of Madison, WI and grandchildren Caroline Carlsmith and Joe Carlsmith. Ann was predeceased by L. Allan Carlsmith, daughter Jennifer Carlsmith, and sister Mary Hales.

A gathering in celebration of Ann’s life will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, EastView at Middlebury, or Homeward Bound, Addison County’s animal rescue in Middlebury. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Services of Middlebury.