"What a wonderful and kind woman my dear friend Joan was. Never have a met someone so generous and caring. She was so sweet and had a beautiful smile. I will miss our talks when she would sit beside me and volunteer at PCH. I feel so fortunate to have had her in my life. My heart just aches knowing she has passed on but yet I am comforted knowing that she is now with her true love, Ray. My condolences to her entire family. May you find peace and comfort as you face this very sad time."
In loving memory of
Joan C. Smith
Joan, 81, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on August 14, 2019. She was born on February 24, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated West Catholic Girls High School.
In 1957 she married Raymond Smith, and this union lasted 54 years. They raised five children in Ocean City, NJ. She helped Ray start an auto-detailing business in the 1970s and run it successfully for 20 years. She also held long-time positions as a local bank teller and later as office manager for several companies. Joan was very active in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania traumatic brain injury support communities for victims and families, after one of her own sons suffered a TBI at age 20. Joan was a life-long learner and enjoyed reading and nature and accompanying her husband....anywhere, but in particular to classic car shows around the country. She was passionate about volunteering at Phoenix Children's Hospital for 25 years. Joan will be remembered for her quiet humility and generosity of spirit and kindness to all.
She is survived by her sons Marc (wife Kim), and Brian of Phoenix and Jeffrey of Scottsdale; her daughter Karen Yoxall (husband Chuck) of Tucson; her sister Margaret Arellano of Millville, NJ; her brother Anthony Morris (wife Anne) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She lost her son Christopher on December 18, 2010 and her husband Ray on May 27, 2011.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Friday August 30, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Community, 10815 N. 84th St., Scottsdale 85260.
It is requested that any donations be made to the Volunteer Services Department at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016 and/or that friends and family plant a tree in Joan's honor. Visit https://www.hansenmortuary.com for condolences.
Tributes
"Our sympathy to the family on loss of mother. Wish healing for the family and hope fun memories to carry on."
"I was sorry to hear of Joan's passing, but then someone who loved her very much said "Don't be sad. She's finally up in Heaven with Ray." I stand corrected."
"Mom: Thank you for the privilege of caring for you over the last years; Kim and I received even more from that time with you and we will never forget that gift. Your sense of humor blossomed and we enjoyed all the ups and downs as life threw some unfair things at you. You were always gracious and I trust the reward is everything you had hoped for. We are so very happy for you and grateful for the time. Marc and Kim"
"Love you Grandmom. Thank you for all the sneaky pretzel sticks before communion and clear polish- only manicures throughout the years. Bet you?re having an absolute blast up there with your love. xoxoxox from all of us."
"I am so sorry about the passing of Joan. I wish I know what joy she brought to everyone and that she will be dearly missed! All the love and happiness she spread will live on in the beautiful memories of her and I pray for peace and comfort for all of the family and friends."
"My prayers are with you all! Loved working with Joan at PCH she was a great inspiration to me and everyone she touched. Now she is in the arms of Ray looking down at us all in peace and happy! You now have the most wonderful guardian angle ever!"
"Mom,I will never forget you and dad,thank you for loving me,thank you for everything,I miss you."
"RIP sorry for your loss family and friends. Send you a bounch of hugs"
"Wishing you healing and peace. And hope you feel surrounded by much love. Alway ,Sue Y.E"
"I loved Joan. She was an excellent listener...at all times humble and kind. Rest in peace dear Joan and may you be reunited with your loving Ray and beloved Chris. Love to all the Smiths from Sonya and Rich."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing Ms. Joan when she game in to volunteer at PCH. She always brought her wisdom and her sense of peace with her. She will be missed."
"Joan and Ray were some of my favorite volunteers to interact with. I was in NJ last week at Mallon's bakery and thought of Joan as she brought me back some sweet rolls. Much love to Joan's family. I'm sure she and Ray are dancing up above, happy to be reunited. Thinking of you all."