Obituary of Joan Smith
With heavy hearts, but with appreciation for a life well-lived, the family of Joan Smith announce her passing on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at her home in the Church of St. John and St. Stephen Nursing Home. Born January 27, 1933, in Charlottetown, PEI, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Margaret Vessey.
Joan, known to all as “Toni”, grew up with many siblings on a farm in PEI. Most of Toni’s adult life was spent in Saint John, where she and her husband Bill raised their four children. Toni loved going to flea markets and shopping, especially for shoes. She also loved gardening and the companionship of her precious dog, Maggie. She enjoyed cooking for her family and was a much-loved Nanny Jo to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Toni spent many hours watching her beloved Toronto Blue Jays- a loyal fan to the end! Toni found great comfort in attending Mass at St. Pius X (Holy Redeemer Church) where she was a long-standing member of the parish.
Joan is survived by her children: Margaret Roy, Ray Smith (Shawn), Bill Smith (Nancy), and Larry Smith (Janelle); grandchildren: Joanie (Matt), Tony, Steel, and Sara (Charles); great-grandchildren: Brett (Rayann), Katana (Riley), and Madison; great-great-grandchildren: Paisley and Casey; brother and sister: Harvey and Cathy; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Raymond Smith, and precious granddaughter, Tracy Wallace. Joan is lovingly reunited with her family in heaven.
Family are grateful to the 6th and 7th floor staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, as well as the many kindnesses shown to our mom from the staff at St. John and St. Stephen Nursing Home. Also grateful to Father Doug McNeill for his guidance.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). There will be no visitation at Joan’s request. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11 am from Our Lady Of Good Counsel Parish, Stella Maris Church, 201 Bayside Drive, Saint John. Interment will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to Holy Redeemer Parish would be appreciated by the family and may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.
