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Nancy Kay Wiant Smith, 62, went to be with her Lord on October 3, 2000 as a result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. She was born August 29, 1938 at Dayton, OH and was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Laura Wiant. When her family moved to Alamogordo, NM in 1947, Nancy expressed an early interest and a dedication to music by playing the flute. She was blessed with opportunities to pay the flute beginning at age ten. Prior to graduating from Alamogordo High School in 1956, she was first flutist in the high school band. Her attendance at the University of New Mexico began in 1956 and provided opportunities to participate with the Woodwind Quintet, University Band and UNM Orchestra. While attending UNM she majored in English, later changing to music. Her skills and commitment provided further opportunities to perform (she also played the organ) at many churches and fellowship meetings of the Body of Christ in Albuquerque. Nancy was formerly married to Richard Smith, who resides in Pearl River, NY. She is survived daughter, Karen Jeanne Fitzgerald and husband, Michael of Albuquerque; son, Scott Edwin Smith and wife, Jeanine of Tom's River, NJ; granddaughter, Sydney Michelle Fitzgerald of Albuquerque; brother Jerry Robert Wiant of Fort Davis, TX; nephew, Jason Wiant of Texas and niece, Jann Holt of Florida. Nancy moved to New York the day after her marriage in 1960. Her move interrupted the educational process, however, it was later resumed at UNM in 1985, and in 1986 she was awarded a degree of Bachelor of University Studies. From 1974 to 1981 she served as a teacher's assistant at several Pearl River, NY schools. From 1981 to 1985 she served as a Recreational Therapist at Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, NY. Nancy began her clowning career early in 1985 by presenting the Clown Character"Charity" in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, NJ and also at Children's Hospital in New York City. Later in 1985, she continued the activity in Albuquerque with volunteer appearances at birthday parties and several functions along with frequent appearances at elementary and high schools. Clowning for Nancy was not so much for performing, as it was to combine humor with real life situation. She often stated that it was much easier than playing the flute and required much less practice. Her clowning activity was not for commercial reasons, but to honor the Lord and provide joy to the many people to whom she was blessed to present her skills. She was employed by Prison Fellowship as Office Coordinator in Albuquerque from 1992 to 1999 and previously provided secretarial assistance to several Albuquerque companies. In early 1998 she began experiencing considerable physical difficulties that later were diagnosed as ALS, an incurable disease. As it progressed, need surfaced for various kinds of medical appliances, together with the requirement of 24-hour daily medical attention. Various caregivers were employed, together with a number of volunteers who were friends and Sisters associated with the Body of Christ, assisting her, as she was cared for in her home. Visitors and caregivers were impressed and amazed at the resilient and persevering attitude of friendliness, peace and joy she manifested to others that visited her with prayer and comfort and left comforted themselves. Her condition grew progressively worse and her capacity to function extremely limited. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be presented at Glory Christian Fellowship, 2421 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque, NM, 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2000. Presenting the service will be Brothers Edward Kaufman and Sam Soleyn. Music will be provided by Debbie Lewis and Kelli Marshall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Support Group, 8525 Princess Jeanne NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 or to Friends in Time, 4806 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Arrangements by French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM.
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