Mary Smith McCandlish, known affectionately to all as Flubby, 75, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at her home in Winchester, Virginia.

Born January 31, 1951, in Albemarle County, Virginia, Flubby was the daughter of the late Caroline (Nash) White and David Ames Smith. She attended St. Mary’s Junior College and North Carolina State University before earning her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Virginia.

On August 7, 1976, Flubby married the love of her life, the late Charles “Charlie” Sheild McCandlish, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Together, they built a life in Winchester. Flubby was devoted to her family, friends, and serving her community. She found joy in volunteer work, particularly with organizations supporting women and empowering children. Flubby loved nothing more than a crossword puzzle and a breeze on the porch at her home away from home, Gloucester Banks.

Flubby is survived by her loving children, daughter Caroline McCandlish Blonkowski and son Robert “Rob” John McCandlish (Matthew Coviello); her cherished grandchildren, Charles “Charlie” William Blonkowski and Quinn Ellis Blonkowski; her sisters, Lucille “Celie” Harris (Jeffrey Harris), Martha Green, and Caroline Natvig (Greg Natvig); and her sister-in-law, Rebekah “Becky” McCandlish Burckmyer. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Flubby was preceded in death by her sister, Susanne Smith.

The family will celebrate her life in a private gathering.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Laurel Center at thelaurelcenter.org.