Joanne Smith

Joanne Wasoff Smith died peacefully in her home on June 20, 2017. Joanne was born on December 9th, 1932, in Dallas, to the late Harry K. Wasoff Sr. and Amelia Shipley Wasoff. She attended school at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, St. Mary’s of Austin, and graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Spanish. She taught at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic school before marrying longtime sweetheart Edwin Jack Smith, Jr. on October 17, 1959. Shortly after, the couple moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, the first of many exotic and far-flung adventures the two would share. During the five years they lived in Argentina, a son, Garrett and a daughter, Amelia, were born. The family then moved to Esher, Surrey, south of London, and lived there for almost five years before returning to Dallas in 1968.

Joanne began a successful writing career in the early 1980s. publishing numerous articles and columns in the Dallas Morning News, and a variety of other publications. She developed a long-standing relationship with Texas Highways Magazine, and was a frequent contributor. She published three cookbooks in collaboration with Texas Highways, including The Adolphus Cookbook (1983), celebrating the legendary hotel’s history and restaurants, The Texas Highways Cookbook ((1986), featuring a number of recipes originally published in the magazine, and Cuisine Texas (1995), a look at the various culinary influences in Texas cuisine. In 1987 Joanne and Jack moved to Austin, Texas where Jack served as Chairman of the State Board of Insurance; and to Houston in 1989. The couple returned to Dallas for good in 1990. After Jack’s retirement in 1999, the couple travelled extensively until Jack’s death in 2007. Joanne continued her exploration of the world for several years thereafter.

Joanne was a longtime parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, an active member of the Altar Society, and a generous supporter of the Church. In 2016 she endowed "The Joanne Wasoff Smith Scholarship Fund of The Catholic Foundation," which provides a full four year scholarship to a deserving graduate from St Thomas Aquinas School attending Bishop Lynch High School. She was a talented writer, an intrepid traveler, a celebrated hostess, and a much beloved wife, sister, mother, and friend to many in Dallas and throughout the world.

She was predeceased by her parents, sister Jean Wasoff Riddle, brother-in- law Hal G. Riddle, and brother Harry K. Wasoff Jr. She is survived by her sister Amy Wasoff and her sister-in-law Bertha Wasoff. She is also survived by her son Garrett Smith, his wife Faith, and three grandchildren Dylan, Avery and Quentin Smith; and daughter Amelia Smith and David Allen and their children Andrew and Matthew Allen; and nieces Jane and Cherie Wasoff, and numerous cousins and friends.

The family will receive guests at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, on Sunday, June 25, 2017 beginning at 6:00 pm with a Rosary Service to follow at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6306 Kenwood Avenue, on Monday, June 26, 2017, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Whispering Waters Section of Restland Cemetery, where Joanne will be laid to rest next to her husband. Services will be officiated by Father John Libone and Monsignor Milam Joseph.