Joan G. Smith
February 27, 1935 - December 21, 2023
Joan G. Smith, age 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2023, during the 3rd week of advent.
Joan was born in 1935 in Wilmington, Delaware. A gift from God to her parents, William and Carrie Hopkins she was the oldest of six children. As a young child she was independent, and enjoyed playing outdoors with her brother on the family farm, Maple Lawn Dairy (Hares Corner) which nurtured her love of nature and exploring. At an early age she hopped on her first bike and continued biking into her eighties. She made many lifelong friends biking with her South Bethany crew, and the New Castle Bike Rangers. The Bike MS: Bike to the Bay was an annual event for Mom.
Joan graduated from William Penn High School. She was a homemaker, a substitute teacher, and retired from Christiana Care’s library, after many years of service. In addition to her employment with Christiana Care, Joan dedicated her life to serving her community as an Election Officer (“exercise your right to vote”), moderator of Gam-Anon meetings and hotline coverage, and a docent for the New Castle Historical Society, She was a lifelong member of the New Castle Presbyterian Church, and was incredibly active as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, communion bread baker, Bell Choir member, and with many of the feeding ministries, including delivering Meals on Wheels into her eighties! She taught us to love Jesus, to love each other, to treat each other kindly, and to forgive others.
Joan raised her family in St. Georges. Her children and grandchildren will always remember the Sunday dinners and holiday celebrations that she and Pop-Pop made so special, as well the wonderful weekends at the beach house.
In addition to biking and outdoor activities, Joan loved books. She always had a book or two by her side, and a list of new reading material. She enjoyed many Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses at the University of Delaware in Wilmington. She taught her family, by example, to feed their body, mind and souls by living with intention, gardening, education, art, community service, church, nature, and travel. She had an infectious smile and a kind word for all.
She is survived by her children, Brenda Walters, Carrie (Jamie), Wendy Smith-Kerr (John), and Andrew; grandchildren, Julia, Brendan, Danny, Phillip, Breanna, Eric, Kelly, Zane, Esme, Johnny, Adam and Emily; and great-grandsons, Henry and Forest. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Florence and Sonia and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, with whom she shared many adventures, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Joan has joined her parents, ancestors and other family members, especially Charles and Chuck Smith and Bill Walters in heaven.
We would like to thank the staff at Kentmere Nursing home for Joan’s gentle care. Joan was grateful for the many cards, letters, and visits she received from family and friends. She was especially grateful for her “room with a view.”
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Meeting House of the New Castle Presbyterian Church 25 East Second Street, New Castle, DE where a memorial service to celebrate Joan’s life will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will be held privately. The service will also be live streamed and can be accessed on the church website at www.newcastlepreschurch.org. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Castle Presbyterian Church at the address above.
Kris Krawczyk
I feel truly blessed to have known Joan. Prayers for all those that mourn her and especially her daughter Brenda.
Kim Ward Blunt
I remember Mrs Smith fondly from my childhood years at NC Presbyterian. Condolences to Carrie and family.
Chris Fagles
Joan always had a huge smile on her face and always asked me how I was doing. I will always treasure our chats.
Sending lots of prayers to her family and especially my dear friend Brenda.🙏❤️🙏
Gail Levinson
Ohhhh…I was shocked to see this sad yet beautiful tribute to such a loving, loved and special person. I was fortunate to be included in the special family holiday dinners. And, the devotion of Joan’s family was second to none. Love, Gail
susan and bob cinalli
Our condolences to Brenda and family on the passing of your mother. She was a lovely person and you wrote a lovely tribute to honor her. Susan and Bob Cinalli .
Diane Wolf
Dear Smith family,
Joan was a dedicated member of the staff of the Medical Libraries and it was a great pleasure to work with her for many years. I’ll always remember her joy each Mother’s Day when you worked together to spruce up her garden. I hope that the fond memories of Joan’s friends and acquaintances are of some comfort at this time.
Diane Wolf
Karen McCoy
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful lady and was always so kind. We were so lucky to have her and your family as neighbors in South Bethany. We could not have been more blessed to have the opportunity to build so many memories as we watched our families grow together over the years, whether it was back at the house or on the beach. I will remember your mom through those memories. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Che' Swanson-Dixon
My heartfelt condolences go out to Brenda and the family of Joan Smith.
What I remember most was Joan’s beautiful smile and kindness towards others. She
worked with my mother, Jean Swanson delivering Meals on Wheels for NCPC; I know
my mother adored her too.
Eleanor Hamilton Hasty
Joan is a Cousin on My Mother’s (Elizabeth Hopkins Hamilton) Side of the Family. So Many Wonderful Childhood Memories at Her Family’s Maple Lawn Dairy Hares Corner Home. All of Us were also 4th Generation Members of the New Castle Presbyterian Church. Joan was a Very Special Person! Our Sincerest Condolences to Her Family! Eleanor Hamilton Hasty