In memoriam: Senator Debbie Smith: former NCSL President.

• Position: In memoriam

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Nevada Senator Debbie Smith was a champion of education, a believer in the good of government, an extraordinary public servant, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a cherished colleague and friend.

She has been called a "giant of the Nevada Legislature," and indeed this woman of indomitable spirit and courage whose battle with brain cancer ended Feb. 21, at age 60, won the admiration and respect of her constituents, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and lawmakers in states across the nation.

Smith was diagnosed with operable brain cancer a year ago, just months into her presidency of NCSL. And although cancer slowed her down through two surgeries, radiation and rounds of chemotherapy, she continued to guide NCSL, even from her hospital bed. She laid the foundation for training programs for legislators and staff to ensure they perform at their very best, for efforts to reach every lawmaker in every state and engage them in NCSL, and for our strong advocacy work on behalf of the states in Washington, D.C.

Her disease couldn't stop her from working tirelessly for her constituents. In April of last year, she returned triumphantly, with humor and style-wearing a purple wig and willingly showing off her scars-to the Senate chamber to pass a historic increase in education funding and legislation to protect children from bullying and abuse.

In her final official duty as NCSL president, Senator Smith addressed the Legislative Summit attendees in Seattle last August.

"From accepting the presidency of this wonderful organization to fighting a devastating disease, my year has unfolded in ways I could never anticipate. It has proven what we all know in our hearts-that every day is precious, that the love of our family, friends and colleagues gives us strength to face the toughest challenges in life...