Joan Helene Smith

Joan Helene Smith died peacefully on February 11, 2025 in El Cajon, California at the age of 84. Joan is survived by her “adopted” daughter Staci Arnold of Alpine, son-in-law, Wayne, and grandchildren Evan, Kendall, Megan & Abby. She is also survived by her brother, John (Jack) Lewandowski, his wife, Lonna, and nieces and nephews Adam Lewandowski, Lisa Basso, Terra Vitiello, and Matthew Lewandowski. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Coleman Smith and beloved daughter, Kimberley Joan.

Joan was born on July 26, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the University of San Diego where she worked for Bishop Buddy in the Chancellor’s Office. She received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from San Diego State University. Joan was a highly respected elementary school teacher with the San Diego Unified School District for 44 years. She retired from Hardy Elementary School where she taught 4th grade Gifted and Talented students for many years. Joan was an active member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Alpine where she spent many years volunteering her time in various capacities such as teaching CCD and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a dedicated and devoted “Grandma Joan” to her adopted grandchildren, a loving presence at every play, performance, dance recital, awards assembly and sporting event.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Immaculata Catholic Church (5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego, CA 92110.) A Rosary will be said at 10:30am and Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am. Father Matthew Spahr will officiate the ceremony. Following mass, Joan will be laid to rest at El Camino Memorial Park (5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121) alongside her husband, Ron, and daughter, Kimberley. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joan’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Good Samaritan Retirement Center (1515 Jamacha Way, El Cajon, CA 92019.) The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Good Samaritan as well as Anchor Hospice, for their loving care, kindness and compassion.