Dena Grace Smith

Dena Grace Smith, of Canonsburg, formerly of Texas passed away peacefully March 7, 2025, in Washington Hospital following extended illnesses. Dena was born in Crosbyton, Texas on July 23, 1958, the daughter of Wendal E. (Bluey) Smith and Geraldine Suttle Smith. She was a graduate of Coronado High School, Lubbock, Texas and went on to earn a nursing degree from South Plains College, Levelland, Texas. In her twenties, Dena learned to ice skate and snow ski in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. In 1997, she moved to Canonsburg, Pennsylvania to be closer to her sister Karen and quickly became a Pittsburgh Steeler fan (although she still loved the Dallas Cowboys.) Dena worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years then became the activities assistant at Peters Township Post Acute, (formerly Manor Care), in McMurrary, Pennsylvania. Dena believed that each resident should be treated with dignity and respect. She had a special way with her residents to put them at ease in their final days. She would sing and pray with them and had many family members thank her repeatedly for the compassion she showed for their loved one. Dena very much loved watching the "Tour-de-France" and followed many of the riders. She had a passion for watching competitive cooking shows while she was crocheting. She enjoyed bingo and bowling with her best friend Marie and Marie's mother Alice, who became like family to Dena. Left behind to cherish her memory are her sister Karen (John) Kazak, best friends Marie (Donnie Burt) Kramer, Alice Kramer, and many cousins. Dena was preceded in death by her parents. A private graveside service and interment in Crosbyton, Texas will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into the care of Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg