Easthampton, MA – Andrea Ware Wright
April 25, 1938 – February 3, 2026
Andrea Ware Wright passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2026, after a long journey with Parkinson’s disease. Born on April 25, 1938, to Margaret Ethel Akins Wright and William Heermans Wright, Andrea grew up in Warren, Pennsylvania, where her parents instilled in her a love of learning, the arts, community, and service.
From an early age, Andrea was drawn to music, dance, and animals. She played the cello, studied ballet, and later taught at a local ballet school. She also developed a lifelong love of dogs, a joy that remained constant throughout her life. Andrea attended Smith College, where her curiosity about the wider world took hold, and later earned a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. A formative semester in Italy sparked a lifelong love of travel, art, and shared meals.
In the early 1960s, Andrea joined one of the Peace Corps’ pioneering programs, spending two years in Ethiopia teaching English and history. The experience deeply shaped her commitment to education, equity, and compassion. Her professional life included leadership roles with the Foreign Student Service Council, Self-Help Inc.’s Head Start program, and the Education Development Center.
Andrea went on to join the founding staff of Hampshire College, where she served for many years, most notably as Director of the Career Options Resource Center. She created the widely loved Life-Work-Planning course, helping people of all ages reflect on their strengths and paths forward.
Andrea was a devoted partner, friend, mentor, and advocate for peace. She delighted in cooking, music, theater, travel, spirited conversation, and dogs-especially rescues, who always seemed to find their way onto her lap. An active member of the Raging Grannies, she used humor and song to stand up for justice.
Andrea is survived by her wife, Peggy Anderson, their extended family, and many dear friends. She will be remembered for her warmth, wit, generosity, and unwavering belief in the dignity and potential of others.
A full obituary is available through the Mitchell funeral home https://www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com/listings. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andrea’s memory to Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105.
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