Nancy Dominicis-Smith

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Nancy Dominicis-Smith of Lincolnshire, Illinois. Nancy passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, just one day shy of her 88th birthday. She was born on January 21, 1938 in Havana, Cuba.

Nancy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was rooted in love for her family and an enduring passion for teaching. For more than five decades, from 1972 until the final year of her life, Nancy taught Spanish to both children and adults, enriching countless lives with her patience, humor, and genuine dedication to language and culture.

Nancy was married twice. She was first married to Henry Dominicis, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage until his passing in 1992. She later found companionship again and married Richard Smith in 2002. They shared many meaningful years together until his passing in 2016.

Nancy is survived by her son, Henry Anthony (Gayle) Dominicis of Addison, Illinois; her cherished grandchildren, Mia (Stephen) Salata of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Henry Blake Dominicis of Oak Park, Illinois; and her beloved great-grandson, Cooper Hayes Salata, also of Glen Ellyn.

She is also fondly remembered by Richard Smith’s family, including his daughter, Patrice (Doug) Lindberg; his son, Richard “Jim” (Karen) Smith; grandchildren Michael (Silvia), Ryan, and Stephan Lindberg; great-grandson Marc Lindberg; and grandsons James and Jason Smith.

Nancy will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her commitment to education, and the dignity with which she lived her life. Her legacy lives on through her family, her friends, her students, and the many communities she touched.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 25, 2026, 1pm- 5pm, at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, January 26, 2026, 10:30am at Saint Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Nancy’s honor to Misericordia Foundation, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660 or misericordia.org