Wellesley mourns Dr. Judith Pinsker in wake of hiking accident

Wellesley and beyond is heartbroken this holiday season following the tragic news that resident Dr. Judith Pinsker died on Sunday in a hiking accident while with family and friends in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Reports of the accident, which took place on Frankenstein Cliff Trail in Hart’s Location, NH., shook Wellesley as word spread on Monday morning following an announcement by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Dr. Pinsker, a 57-year-old mother of two who worked as a primary care physician at Tufts Medical Center, loved to spend time outdoors with her family and friends, according to her obituary. Her interests also included playing flute with the Wellesley Town Band.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Benjamin Smith, and sons Eric and Jeffrey Pinsker-Smith.

Smith told the Boston Globe that his wife of 27 years “was a force of nature. She maintained so many different activities in addition to her work.”

Swellesley readers who knew Dr. Pinsker or only heard of the tragedy shared their thoughts:

“I’ve known Judy since second grade,” wrote one friend. “She made her academic and social marks early and never stopped. But most of us loved her for her dry wit, equally dry yet profound philosophical thoughts, devotion and generosity to friends, and yes, her many and varied accomplishments.”

A patient of Dr. Pinsker’s wrote: “A patient could not have had a more compassionate primary care doctor. I will miss her very much.”

A visitation will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt.16), Wellesley on Friday, Dec. 28, from 4-8pm. A private service will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Timmy Global Health at 22 East 22nd Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202.

We extend our condolences to family and friends.