By Seth A. Richardson, Reno Gazette-Journal

Nevada Senate Democrats announced the death of Sparks state Sen. Debbie Smith on Sunday. She was 60.

Debbie Smith

Smith was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2015. She had successful surgery to remove the tumor at MD Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston before returning for the final six weeks of the session.

Senate Democrats said in a release that plans for a memorial service would be released in the coming days.

She remained active in the political realm even as she fought cancer, sitting on the committee that is drafting a 2016 ballot question on funding for building and maintenance projects for the Washoe County School District. She previously said she planned to return to the Legislature in 2017.

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