Nancy Layne (Smith) Mewes

Age 82, of Woodbury, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on March 5, 2026.

Nancy was born on September 18, 1943, in Carthage, Missouri, to Dr. Norvin and Dolores Smith. As a young adult, Nancy attended the University of Minnesota's Miller School of Nursing. Not long after school, she met Myron Mewes. The two were married on May 6, 1967, beginning a marriage that lasted nearly six decades.

Those who knew Nancy knew a woman defined by kindness, compassion, and a genuine concern for others. She had a rare gift for making people feel cared for and understood. These qualities shined throughout her more than 40-year career as a nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, where she touched countless lives. Nancy was especially passionate about supporting patients in recovery and addiction care, offering not just medical skills but empathy and encouragement to those who needed it most.

Outside of work, Nancy embraced life with joy and curiosity. She loved traveling and explored many memorable destinations, including Florida, where she often visited her mother. She treasured sunny afternoons on a patio with a glass of red wine, good conversation, and laughter among friends.

Nancy adored children and especially loved being a grandmother. Few things brought her more happiness than time spent with her grandchildren-often sharing a sugary treat and providing endless entertainment in the form of silly costumes, pigtails, and funny pranks-like leaving raisins ("bunny poop") on the floor for Easter morning. Her home and heart were always open, not only to family and friends but also to the many pets she lovingly welcomed over the years.

Every time we think of Nancy, we think of her laughter. She bubbled with joy. After retiring from nursing, she lived deliberately and made the most of her health until dementia gradually made her world smaller. Nancy remained cheerful and caring even in memory care and the bright sparks of memory she was able to experience are a connection we will miss. Even in her final years, when dementia set in, Nancy's caring spirit remained evident. She continued to show warmth, kindness, and concern for others right up until the end-an enduring reflection of the remarkable person she was.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Norvin and Dolores Smith, and a stillborn child.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Myron; her children, Richard (Sue), Christopher (Nicole), and Laura (Richard) Gessler; and her cherished grandchildren, Elinor, Elizabeth, Emma, Nathan, Lane, Mia, Arthur, and Franklin. She is also survived by her brother, Richard (Catherine) Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Nancy's life was defined by love, service, and compassion. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart, and the countless lives she touched as a nurse, mother, grandmother, and friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held in early summer to honor and remember Nancy. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/) and/or the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/ways-to-give).