Nancy L. McLendon-Smith

Nancy L. McLendon-Smith, 75, on July 13, 2026, of Arbutus, Maryland, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family.

Born on September 17, 1950, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nancy was the daughter of Mildred L. McLendon (née Wright) and Jesse N. McLendon, Jr.

During her father's active-duty service in the United States Marine Corps, Nancy and her siblings lived in several places before the family eventually settled in Northern Virginia. She graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1968 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from George Mason College. Her love of science and helping others led her to a career in laboratory medicine.

For 48 years, Nancy was a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital. She was respected for her professionalism, knowledge, and commitment.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and devoted husband of 43 years, Kenneth C. Smith, Jr., who passed away May 3, 2026.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Mary Beth Diaz (née Smith), and her husband, JD, of Elkridge, Maryland, and by her beloved grandchildren, Gabrielle and Landon, who were truly the center of her world. Nothing brought Nancy greater joy than being "Grandma." She rarely missed one of Gabbi and Landon's soccer games, baseball games, concerts, school events, or milestones. She celebrated every accomplishment with pride and unconditional love.

Together, Nancy and Ken created countless treasured memories with their grandchildren. They loved taking Gabbi and Landon on fun adventures and special weekend trips, creating memories that will stay with them forever.

Nancy is also survived by her siblings, Ron N. McLendon (Cheryl Shuttuck), Carol A. Ray (Greg), Judy A. Knaub (Larry), and Joyce L. Carnes, and sister-in-law Linda McLendon. She also leaves behind five beloved nieces, three cherished nephews, and twelve great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Outside of work, Nancy embraced life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time in the sunshine, traveling up and down the East Coast with Kenny, and planning weekend getaways to Atlantic City. She enjoyed crafting and walking the beach collecting seashells. If there was a Walmart, Nancy knew where it was.

Living with Type 1 diabetes for nearly six decades, she was a passionate advocate for juvenile diabetes awareness and sharing her knowledge.

Although her family will miss her, they find comfort knowing that Nancy is reunited with the love of her life, Kenny. Her legacy lives on through the values she instilled and memories she created.

Instead of flowers, please send donations in Nancy's memory to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)