Heather Marie Dean Smith

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Heather Marie Smith (57), who left this world peacefully on Saturday December 13, surrounded by her loving family in Lakeland, Florida, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Heather was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy treasured by all who knew her.

Born in Midland, Michigan, on August 14, 1968, to Dale and Judy Dean. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child Development, originally dreaming of becoming a teacher. However, her true calling emerged later in life as a passionate Patient Advocate, where she used her voice and compassion to make a lasting difference for others.

Heather’s proudest role was that of a mother. She cherished her sons, Brandon and Taylor Dahley, beyond measure. Though her firstborn, Brandon’s, journey was tragically brief, as he passed away at just seven months old, Heather dedicated her life to giving his short time on earth a purpose that continues to live on.

With Taylor by her side, Heather married her soulmate and best friend, John W. Smith, in Florida on January 15, 2005. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and purpose.

Heather’s life was a testament to the compassion, resilience, and zeal she showed as a woman of many gifts dedicated to being a wife and mother. She loved traveling, working out, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her own family. Over the course of two decades, she served as a Peer Contact Volunteer for the Immune Deficiency Foundation, led Community Investment Teams for the United Way of Central Florida, and was an elected member of the Florida Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council. In addition, she chaired the SCID Compass Steering Committee Program, which was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Her proudest professional accomplishment was her tireless advocacy for families affected by Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) - the rare condition that unexpectedly took Brandon’s life. With her husband, John, she co-founded SCID Angels for Life Foundation, the first nonprofit dedicated to exclusively supporting families living with SCID both emotionally and financially. Most impressively, through her persistent leadership, newborn screening for SCID became standard across all 50 states and U.S. territories - a lasting legacy that continues to save lives every day.

Heather’s spirit and light will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her devoted husband, John Smith; her cherished son, Taylor Dahley (Emily) of Rogers, Texas; her mother, Judy Dean, of Kentucky and Florida; her sister, Jennifer Rose (Chris) of Kentucky; her niece, Madison Thiel (Johnny) and their son Lucas Thiel of Kentucky; her nephew, Matthew Rose (Olivia) of Tennessee; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever carry the memory of her love, guidance, and support in their hearts.

Heather was preceded in death by her father, Dale Dean, and her son, Brandon Dahley.

A memorial service will be held in Lakeland, Florida, on January 9th, 2026 starting at 11:30 AM, at Bonnet Springs Park Event Center, a favorite place of peace and tranquility for Heather. A celebration of life will follow in her hometown of Midland, Michigan, at the Midland Country Club on January 26th, 2026 at 11:30 AM. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor Heather’s life and share the many stories that reflect her remarkable spirit at either location.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the SCID Angels For Life Foundation Legacy Fund, established by Heather and John at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, to further SCID research and support affected families undergoing treatment. This is a direct link ( https://donate.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/scid-angels ). Contributions may also be made to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida ( https://bonnetspringspark.com/donate/ ).

Heather’s light will never fade. Though she has gone on ahead from this world, her love, courage, and grace will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.