Ina L. Smernoff

The world lost a true angel as Ina L. Smernoff, 78, of Bloomfield, formerly of West Hartford, died May 8 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

She was the wife of Marvin Smernoff for 46 years prior to his passing. She was the daughter of Philip and Sylvia Kaplan. She was a graduate of UCONN School of Education and excelled as a gifted English teacher in East Hartford for 32 years, including being named National Teacher of the Year by the Milken Foundation. 

Mimi is survived by son Robert Smernoff and his wife Carrie as well as her beloved grandson Ian Smernoff; step-grandson Zay; and brother Mark and his wife, Sandy Kaplan. Mimi became an avid sports fan throughout the years and her true love was anytime a UCONN basketball game was on tv or going in person with her husband and son. She truly loved everyone in not just her family, but all of her amazing friends, co-workers, and especially the thousands of students she had the opportunity to teach as teaching was her true love in life.

 We would like to thank all the medical and service staff who helped Mimi especially during her many fights with cancer. Funeral services, as well as internment, will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10am at the Hartford Mutual Society Cemetery, 15 Wolcott Road, East Granby. Following the internment, the family will receive guests at the Clubhouse at Gillette Ridge, 1360 Hall Boulevard, Bloomfield until 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Reading is Fundamental, 750 First Street Ste 920, Washington DC 20002.