Cassandra Quinn Smith
Feb 15, 1973 -
Jul 23, 2026
Cassandra "Cassie" Quinn Smith, age 53, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on July 23, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Cassie was born on Feb. 15, 1973, in Okinawa, Japan to Dr. Michael Quinn and Dr. Susan Bradley while her father was serving in the U.S. Army. Her family later moved to Coos Bay, Ore., in 1978, where Cassie grew up surrounded by the activities, friendships and experiences that shaped her generous and determined spirit. Cassie was a dedicated and gifted athlete in cross-country running, swimming, cheerleading, horseback riding, training for a pentathlon, along with many other pursuits that captured her curiosity. She was a lifelong runner, which brought her peace, joy, and a sense of lightness, as well as a multitude of lifelong friendships, that stayed with her throughout her life.
Cassie graduated from Marshfield High School in Coos Bay in 1991 and went on to earn her B.S. in biology from the University of Oregon in 1995. She later received a master's degree in teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, preparing her for the work that would become one of her great passions. Cassie met her husband, Colby Smith, while in Juneau, where they enjoyed their time outdoors boating, fishing, skiing and living in a small rural community. They moved to Anchorage in 2001. Together they raised their twins, Payton and Quinn, age 22. Raising her children was always Cassie's priority. She was their cheerleader, coach, mentor, advocate and steady source of love. She celebrated their accomplishments with pride, including watching them both graduate from Oregon State University in June 2026, despite remaining ever loyal to her beloved Oregon Ducks. Any football Saturday when the Ducks were playing Cassie would be watching and cheering them on.
Cassie worked as a special education teacher for the Anchorage School District at West High in Anchorage, a role she embraced with passion and dedication. She loved teaching, encouraging her students and watching them grow, learn and build confidence in their skills. In the classroom, she was creative, encouraging, patient and deeply committed to helping each student feel seen and capable. She also enjoyed her work at the Alaska Military Youth Academy.
Cassie was loyal, strong-willed and a caretaker to all who crossed her path. She was always thinking ahead, always looking for ways to do her best—or, as she would say, to do "the most." She was fiercely protective of her friends and family, and she created a wide circle of love that included family by blood and friends who became family. To those who knew and loved her, Cassie was the center. She even managed to convince her sisters and their families to move to Alaska in 2008, living within just a few miles of one another.
She will be missed by so many, and the difference she made in the lives she touched will continue to be felt. In her memory, please do something you enjoy. Be the most. Make the most of your day. Offer grace to those in your life for the silent struggles they may carry.
Cassie is survived by her husband, Colby; children, Payton and Quinn; mother, Susan Bradley; father, Michael Quinn; stepmother, Lindi Quinn; and sisters, Corrie (Quinn) Dreher (Dave, daughter Hannah) and Kendra (Quinn) Bowman (Tim, son Bennett). She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dr. Amy Lipton and Dr. Edwin Quinn and Helen Bradley.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Cassie's honor to Bay Area Hospital Foundation in Coos Bay, where her parents and grandparents practiced medicine for many years; United in Pink; or to the charity of your choice.
