Blanche Mae McKinley Smith

1925 - 2025

Blanche Mae McKinley Smith
10/01/1925 - 05/27/2025
Blanche Mae McKinley Smith, passed away, Tuesday, May 27 joining her beloved husband, Jim. We are comforted in our grief knowing that they are together again.
Blanche was born in Brewster, WA, on October 1, 1925, to Charles "Doc" and Carrie McKinley. She attended Brewster High School, graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, achieving her childhood dream of becoming a nurse.
At Washington State, she met the love of her life, Jim. A love story of 70 years they did everything together. From fabulous trips to every continent, dancing at every chance they got, hosting memorable family get togethers, walking to downtown San Carlos, they loved their family unconditionally.
Blanche was a woman of great faith and an active member at Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Carlos. A deacon, member of the woman's bible study and drove for Loaves and Fishes.
She was an amazing cook; her home was always warm and welcoming to anyone that came to her door. She did everything with grace and kindness.
After 18 years of spending her time devoted to the needs of her family, Blanche enrolled in a nursing refresher course; and on February 1, 1972, she started working at Chope Hospital in San Mateo. She spent her entire career on 2 West, mentoring many new nurses with her welcoming gracious manner and knowledge. Before the title even existed, she was the Charge Nurse, overseeing patient care, delegating tasks, and addressing immediate concerns within the nursing team. A role model to many with her high energy, professionalism, dedication, and always dressed in a "sparkling" white uniform. She retired on January 31, 1989.
Blanche's life was a beautiful and fun-loving adventure, living every moment to its fullest! She brought joy into the lives of so many with her giving and loving heart. Her generosity and love extended to others without expecting anything in return. We will miss her sense of humor, inviting smile, beautiful spirit and unconditional love, but we will never forget it.
Blanche is survived by four children, daughter, Carrie Hamer, and her sons, Stephen Hamer (Rebecca), Matthew Hamer (Karilyn), and Daniel Hamer (Emily); son, Darrell Smith (Beverly), daughter, Linda Fitzgerald (Bruce), and daughter, McKinley Prado (Zach) and Mary Kay Christensen, daughters Sarah Whittaker (Derek) and Kristen Christensen; and four great- grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life for Blanche and Jim Smith will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1106 Alameda de las Pulgas San Carlos at 3:00 p.m on July 12, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Blanche's honor to the Trinity Presbyterian Church.
She will be buried with her beloved husband, Jim, on August 7 at 10 am in Brewster, Washington.