Claremont, NH — Madilynn Grace Smith, 4 months, died Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, MA.

Maddie was born September 9, 2025, five weeks early in Lebanon, NH, the beloved daughter of J.J. and Kirsten (Emde) Smith. As a precaution, she was placed in the NICU at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, where she was diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation causing a degenerative kidney disease, WT1 nephrotic syndrome.

She was later airlifted to Boston Children's Hospital, where she received the specialized care she needed. Throughout her short life, Maddie showed extraordinary strength and resilience. She was truly a miracle, a strong girl and a fighter.

Maddie had a wonderful spirit and was a social butterfly who was loved by all who met her. She found joy in her sea turtle ocean projector and her mobile, which brought her peace and light. Maddie also enjoyed going for rides in her stroller through the halls of the hospital and looking at all of the colorful artwork on the walls. She loved snuggles with mom and Gammie and she gave her sister Charlotte lots of smiles when she came to visit. Madilynn Grace Smith will be remembered for her courage, her bright presence, and the deep love she inspired in her family and everyone who knew her.

Madilynn is survived by her parents, JJ and Kirsten Smith, of Claremont, her older sister, Charlotte, paternal grandparents, Brett & Kati Smith of Post Mills, and maternal grandparents, Melinda Emde of Cornish, NH and Daryl Tuttle of Corinth, VT.

A celebration of Maddie's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2-4pm at the Cornerstone Community Center in Hartford Village, VT. The family wishes to extend deep gratitude for the staff at CHaD and Boston Children's. Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com