Passed away peacefully at South Huron Hospital on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 of Huron Park at the age of 93. Beloved wife of the late Harold Smith (1996). Proud and loving mom of the late Douglas Smith (Lynn), the late Catherine Grieves, the late David Smith (Alanna), Tim Smith (the late Carol), the late Peter, and Gerald Smith. Adored grandma of Barb, Don, Cathy, Dave, Rod & Chris; Thomasina, Holly; Aaron, Alyssa; the late Zachary, and the late Quintin and great-grandma of 14 and great-great grandma of 1. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brother, and her two sisters.
Joan loved to read and participated in many book clubs. She was a dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League in both Zurich and Exeter. Joan had many friends and was loved by all she met. She was proud of her family and loved to spend time with all of her grandchildren.
Joan’s Funeral Mass will be held at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 200 Sanders Street West, EXETER on Saturday, December 9th at 1 PM. A celebration of Joan’s life will follow in the church hall. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery on the Bronson Line, Zurich.
Donations to Community Living South Huron or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Glen & Marg Nicholson
Dear Gerry and family,
I just heard about the sudden passing of your mom. I always enjoyed catching up with your Mom at the Merner reunions. She always had a wonderful smile and cared so much about everyone. Take care!
Mark Heimrich
Gerry & Tim & the Smith & Merner families;
My sincere sympathy in the loss of Joan. I have many fond memories of “Mrs. Smith” while growing up in Zurich and then around the Exeter area over many years. We would always have a good chat and catch up when bumping into each other. She was a super kind and genuinely cheerful person, always.
My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, wishes to pass on her condolences as well. She too thought so highly of Joan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich & Marilyn Heimrich
Debbie Regier
Sending sympathy to Joan’s family. May she rest in peace.
Mcclinchey and Westlake families
Our deepest sympathies to Joan’s family! She was a wonderful lady so very kind to everyone 💕
Brenda Sauder
Joan was a great friend to my mother, Barb Sauder, and I am sure they are hanging out in heaven now catching up on everything. Mom and Joan could talk forever on the phone once my Mom moved to St.Catharines to live with my sister. Joan would come and visit often and really enjoyed swimming in my sister’s pool. When I would come to Huron Park to visit, Joan would put up my husband and I for the night and we would have a wonderful visit. She was an avid reader and loved to listen to music at home. We will surely miss Joan, she was really a beautiful soul. Our sincere condolences to her family with lots of love .
Noella and Tom Triebner
Joan was a sweet kind caring friend . Sending sincere condolences to all of her family. RIP Joan
Henny Morrissey
I enjoyed working with Joan at Dove’s Nest. She was a kind and dedicated worker and ever so gentle.
Camilla Robichaud
Joan was one of the most positive women I have known in spite of the many losses she suffered. We were friends in Huron Park for many years. She will be missed.
DonnaO'Brien
Heaven has gained a new angel ! Joan was a wonderful angel on earth.I had the good fortune to help Joan in the Alhambra Hall and in Dashwood with Community Living and the children were loved like her own!! Hugs to her family!! Donna
Joyce Baptie
So sad to hear of Joan’s passing, she was a very special lady and friend . My condolences to the family. Joyce Baptie
Laura Wilder
Gerry, Tim and families,
My deepest sympathy for your loss of this kind sweet soul. *An Earth Angel*
Rest in Peace Joan
Cheryl MacLeod
My deepest sympathy to Joan’s family. I met Joan through the Women’s Institute. We were very fortunate to have Joan join the Crediton branch when she moved to our area. She enjoyed coming out to meetings and she was always so friendly to everyone and had a smile on her face. Joan was a wonderful lady.
Debbie and Larry Denomme
Joan was such a lovely woman, always smiling and helping others, no matter what her own situation, she will be sorely missed by many, RIP Joan, you deserve your Heavenly Rest !
Brenda Love
I met Joan when the Women’s Institute was a strong organization. Joan was willing to take on all tasks and enjoyed her work. She was always so friendly to all the members and greeted us with a smile.
Marge Schilbe
So sorry for your loss, lots of good memories of our younger years. She was a super lady. Cherish your memories. Cousin Marge
Margaret Brintnell
To All of Joan’s family
I have known Joan for years. What a wonderful person she was. Extend My Sympathy to All.
Margaret Brintnell
Ray & Judy Mills
To Joan’s family;
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Joan was such a wonderful person, so full of life and love for all. She was always so cheerful, whether on the phone or in person, She took time to chat with anyone who came along and showed genuine interest in each and everyone. I always enjoyed having a talk with her about the happenings of Arc Angels and what items we were supporting for the members of Community Living South Huron. Joan was one of a kind. She will be missed not only by her family, but by many. God Bless.
Glenda Lather
Joan was a sweet, kind, caring lady. My sincere condolences to all of her family. May she rest in peace.
Tracey Lesperance
Gerry, Tim and Family my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your amazing Mom and Grandmother. I have several fond memories that I will cherish always! She was a strong amazing woman. My thoughts are with you all.
Rest in the Sweetest of Peace Joan ❤️
Norah Purser
To Joan’s family,
She was an absolute treasure, that just about sums up her being. RIP, the folks supported were very blessed to have known her.
🌹🙏🏻
Bob Oesch
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the families. She was a great lady.
Mike Bedard
Gerry and family sorry to hear of your moms passing she was truly a very special lady and extremely kind hearted.
Ken Oesch
My condolences to the Smith Family. Mrs. Smith was a wonderful person from memories of growing up in Zurich. RIP
Lee Anne Richardson Mills
I can’t begin to express my condolences to the family of this wonderful lady. The kindest person ever. May she rest in sweet peace. Forever in my heart and remembered always.
Evelyn Vincent
Sincere sympathy to Joan’s family. She was a lovely lady with a heart of gold.
Wishing you God’s peace and strength through this difficult time.
The Hillman family
Our deepest sympathy. Joan was an incredible woman with a smile to match. She will be missed.
Jim Oesch
To all of Joan’s family, she was a strong woman and raised a good family. RIP
Glen and Donna Greb
To Joan’s family. Glen and I were shocked to hear this sad news. We considered Joan as part of our family. She was our son’s caregiver for many years while I worked and then she was principal of the Alhambra nursery school where Danny attended. Following that she worked at the nursery school run by South Huron Community Living in Dashwood. She loved children and they loved her. She was always upbeat and volunteered at the Dove’s Nest and Arc Angels thrift shops where we continued our friendship. Thankyou for sharing your mom with us and we will miss her. Her favourite piece of advice was “ Life goes on”. She endured many hardships as described in the obituary with far too many losses in her life but she was able with the help of her faith to move on and find the strength to help others. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this sad time. Glen and Donna