Joan Evelyn Smith Lucci

Joan Evelyn Lucci, entered into eternal life to join her beloved husband of fifty years on February 10, 2011. True to her nature, she fought a brave battle with cancer exhibiting strength, dignity and grace. Joanie will be remembered for her compassion and genuine love for all. She was a loving wife and mother, but her family extended beyond her own. She was a second mother to any one who needed her, giving joyously from her infinite capacity to nurture. Joanie recognized her calling to nursing, and shared her healing touch with patients, friends, neighbors, and those in need. Rarely a day passed that Joanie wasn’t caring for someone.

Joanie was born in Oswego, New York on May 12, 1936. She spent her early years on a farm where she learned true American values. Her vitality surfaced early in her life as a drum majorette and cheerleader. She moved to Houston and attended Lilly Jolly School of Nursing. While training she met the love of her life. Following her marriage in 1958 she became the quintessential Italian mother. Her heart and her home were open to all. Children instinctively recognized her goodness. She was a person who could lift a crying child and instantly calm her. She will be remembered as gracious hostess who served countless meals at her table, a healing nurse with a gentle touch, but mostly as a loving wife and mother who will be greatly missed. She was loved by all who knew her.

Joanie was preceded in death by her parents, Louella and Richard Smith, and her husband, Joseph A. Lucci, Jr. M.D. She is survived by her five children: Joseph A. Lucci, III, M.D. and wife Ruth, Joanie Lucci Bain, J.D. and husband Bruce, Hon. Jacqueline Lucci Smith and husband Richard, Jina Lucci Fernandez and husband Ray, and CDR James M. Lucci, JAGC, USN and wife Janet; and eleven grandchildren who were the joy of her life. She is survived by her twin sister, Jean Simkulet; and two brothers, Richard M. Smith, Jr. and Charles Smith, and their families.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary, on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 in Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway. There will be a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. in the Earthman chapel. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joanie may be made to St. Cecilia’s Building Fund, www.saintcecilia.org or to the Susan B. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research ww5.komen.org/Donate/Donate.html