Obituary of Joan Marie Smith

Joan Marie Smith (née Howell), age 83, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on March 25, 2022, surrounded by her family. She will be forever missed by the many people who loved her including her daughters, Joan Gay and Patricia Chapman, and her son, Richard “Rick” Smith Jr.; grandchildren Janna, George, and Kaitlin Gay, Brian Smith, and Dominique Chapman; and great-grandchildren Elliott and Frances Kays, Leah, Emily, and Abigail Gay, Cora and Milo Schweitzer, Brian Smith, and Richard IV and Mckayla Smith; all whom she adored and whose pictures adorned the walls of her home like a shrine.  She is also survived by her sister, Donna Gara, and brothers, Pete, Richard, and James “Butch” Howell. 

Joan is predeceased by her husband Richard Smith in 2016, her grandson Richard Smith III in 2018, her parents Wilbur and Ruth Howell, sister, Betty Hamlen, and brothers Wilbur II and Harry Howell. 

Joan devoted her life to the care of others. For 28 years she served as a Cottage Training Technician at the Hunterdon Developmental Center, providing direct care to children and adults with the most severe of disabilities. Outside of work she was a devoted “Gram,” serving as a daily presence in the lives of her grandchildren. To many she was like a bonus Mom, especially to the youngest grandchildren, Kait and Richie. Her ability to be humorous no matter the occasion was unmatched. She loved the outdoors and will be remembered for spontaneous adventures to Spruce Run Reservoir and summer vacations at the Jersey shore.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday April 2, 2022, from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882. Private family services will follow the public visitation. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.knolldevoefh.com.