Nancy Hotchkiss Smith

SMITH, Nancy Hotchkiss Nancy Hotchkiss Smith, a highly respected Sacramento real estate attorney, died at her Sacramento home on January 19, 2015, after a 28- month battle with brain cancer. Born July 25, 1957, in Burns, Oregon, Nancy was the proud daughter of cattle ranchers, Vera and Richard Hotchkiss. She relished being an Oregon State University "Beaver," graduating in 1979, and then moving to Sacramento to attend McGeorge School of Law. Nancy was the first attorney to join Charles Trainor to establish what is today, Trainor Fairbrook, the largest real estate law firm in Sacramento. Nancy spent her entire 32-year legal career with the firm, representing many of the largest real estate owners and lenders in the region. Nancy was legendary for her aggressive advocacy on behalf of her devoted clients. She was honored many times during her career. Virtually her entire career, she was rated as a "Preeminent Attorney" by her peers. She also was selected as a Super Lawyer and as a Best Lawyer, two of the highest recognitions that an attorney can receive. She was the first Sacramento attorney to be certified by the American Bankruptcy Board for her knowledge of bankruptcy and creditor rights law. In 2010, Nancy was given CREW Sacramento's coveted "Woman of Impact" award for her many contributions. She was President of the California Receivers Forum, the Barrister's Club of Sacramento, and CREW Sacramento. Nancy was a long-time member of Fremont Presbyterian Church, serving in numerous capacities including Board member, Nomination Committee, youth leader and Sunday school teacher. She lived her faith everyday by how she treated and interacted with others. Her youth home worship meetings during the summer were famous, always ending with a BBQ and the pool. Nancy always considered her greatest blessing to be her three cherished daughters, Mackenzie, Madeline and Katherine. She encouraged her girls to reach high and experience life, and to do their best with compassion and fairness. Nancy cheered her daughters at every athletic event including swim meets, water polo matches and cheerleading events. As a Girl Scout leader, Nancy frequently loaded her van with girls and equipment for a weekend camping expedition. Her favorite times were when the four of them would "take to the road" as she called it, traveling to see family in Oregon, visiting national parks on route to colleges, or trips to England or Italy. Nancy is survived by many loved ones, including her three daughters, her mother Vera Hotchkiss; sisters Susan Doverspike and Judy Hotchkiss; brother-in-law Mark Doverspike; nephews Donald, Steven and Daniel; niece Katherine and grand niece and nephews, Oliver, Lauren and Elliot. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held at Fremont Presbyterian Church, 5770 Carlson Drive, Sacramento on January 31, 2015, at 1 p.m. Donations in Nancy's memory can be sent to Fremont Presbyterian Children and Youth Memorial Fund.