Nancy Mae (Gilchrist) Smartz

Nancy Mae Smartz, 89, formerly of Sharpsville, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025.

Born July 15, 1936, in Sharpsville, PA, to Dorothy (French) and Roy Gilchrist, Nancy graduated from Sharpsville High School with the Class of 1954, where she was proudly crowned Homecoming Queen. She went on to attend Trumbull Memorial School of Nursing, where she earned her credentials as a registered nurse. Over the course of her career, she served with dedication and compassion, ultimately retiring as Director of Nursing at Sharon Regional Hospital.

On September 6, 1958, Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Joseph James “Jim” Smartz. During Jim’s service in the United States Marine Corps, the couple traveled extensively across the country. Nancy continued her nursing career along the way, working at hospitals in places including Virginia Beach, Hawaii, and California, before eventually returning to Pennsylvania.

Nancy was active in her community and valued time with her family. She especially enjoyed summer beach vacations with her children and grandchildren. She was deeply involved with the American Red Cross, serving as a Red Cross Ambassador during her nursing career, and was a devoted member of St. Bartholomew Church in Sharpsville.

She is survived by her daughters, Rhoda (Sean) Carmody of Pittsburgh, Jamie (Chris) Butler of Elizabeth, CO; her son, Jay (Brooke) Smartz of Parker, CO; and six beloved grandchildren: Caitlin Carmody, Erin Carmody, Allena Carmody, Zoë Butler, Lola Butler, and Annabel Smartz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marilyn Linzenbold.

Her life will be honored in a private family celebration, filled with love and cherished memories.

Arrangements entrusted to the Donaldson-Mohney Funeral Home & Crematory.

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