Wandalee McGuinness

Wandalee Nelle Smith O'Dell McGuinness, 92, of Ashburn, VA (formerly of McLean, VA), passed away on January 18, 2026. Mrs. McGuinness was born in Lester, West Virginia on September 9, 1933 to Juanita Mae Shumate and George Clayton Smith. She graduated from Trap Hill High School in Raleigh County, WV, where she met her high school sweetheart and late first husband, Mardorf "Mork" F. O'Dell. She had a love of education and went on to graduate from the historic Laird School of Nursing in Montgomery, WV (WVU) with a BSN and Marymount University in Virginia with a Masters in Nursing. Wanda was deeply passionate about her career, starting at a hospital in West Virginia and eventually working at the NIH in Maryland after moving to Fairfax County, VA. She was an active member of NARFE where she met her beloved late second husband, Capt. Louis J. McGuinness.

Mrs. McGuinness was a world traveler, loved music and playing the piano, sewing, gardening, writing her memoirs, and spending time with her family. She was known for sharing her wisdom, her sweet and loving nature, and her bright spirit.

Wanda is preceded in death by her son Michael O'Dell (Jennifer) of Sterling, VA; sisters Virginia Hall, Ellen Houchins, and Florence Kuhn Martin. She is survived by her sons Mark O'Dell (Yvonne) of Bluemont, VA, and Jerry O'Dell (Stephanie) of Ashburn, VA.; stepdaughter Moira McGuinness; grandchildren Melinda, Robert, Jason, April, Josh, Dianna, Andrea, Christopher, Jacquelynn, Kayla, Joseph and Dylan; great-grandchildren Hayden, Victoria, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Zoey, Alyssa, Philip, Maverick, Aurora, Lucas, Payten, Layton, Kaydance, Colton, Westin and Denver and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be scheduled at a later date.