Joan E. Smith
Joan E. Smith (nee Newberger) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28th 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89.
Joan was born, raised, and lived out her life in and around Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Illinois. Joan was born into a large, loving family of twelve children in Philadelphia, PA in 1934. She married her husband Arnold Smith in 1955; they were married for 36 years until Arnold’s passing in 1991.
Joan was an avid cook; she was the family chef and showed her love by cooking! She worked for years as a cook at McDonough District Hospital in Illinois, and was famous for her soups, stews, sauerkraut pork chops and dumplings, amazing baked beans and polenta; Joan loved having friends and family over where the food was abundant and no one ever left hungry. Joan lived within walking distance to several of her sisters, and the kids all grew up together. Joan loved to crocheting, doing crossword puzzles and reading romance novels. She spent her final years at St. Mary’s rehabilitation center where she made friends and enjoyed the center’s activities. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Joan is the beloved wife of the late Arnold Smith; loving mother of Clyde, (Liz) , Margaret (Sal) and Susan (Alan) , Devoted Grandmother to nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, Loving sister to Carol and her late siblings: Rose, Midge, Jessie, Gladys , Eddie, Jean , Patty, Kenny, and Mary. Joan is predeceased by her parents; Margaret and Vernon Newberger.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joan’s visitation on Tuesday, June 4th 2024 after 10:00 am at Saint Anne Catholic Church, 2328 E Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, where her Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place privately at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to Saint Mary’s Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare; 210 Saint Mary’s Drive Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 https://stmc.org/long-term-care-services/