Joan was born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 16, 1935. Joan was the beloved wife of the late Ken Smith, loving sister of the late Bob Snelgrove, and mother of Kathy (Jim), Paul (Sheila), Sue, Steve (Melissa), Janet (Mike) and the late Tom. She was the cherished grandmother of Alex (Kelsey), Jessica, Parker, Wesley (Alex), Rory (Colleen), Natalie (Jason), Katie and Jake; and proud great-grandmother of Dagny, Elia, Faolán, Peyton, Keegan, Riley and Kade.
She was a strong, giving, and intellectual woman. She survived polio and it never slowed her down. She worked as a Supervisor for Michigan Bell Telephone prior to starting a family and continued part-time and volunteer work thereafter. In 1981, she completed her Bachelor of Arts graduating with high distinction from the University of Michigan.
By far, the most important part of Joan’s life was her family. She loved talking on the phone to her children and grandchildren. She was a great listener. She was the rock of her family, and her sole focus was being supportive of her children's goals and dreams while usually sacrificing her own.
She will be dearly missed and will leave a large hole in the hearts of her family and everyone who knew her.
Anyone wishing to remember Joan, please consider a donation to Post-Polio Health International (https://post-polio.org/) or another charity of your choice.
There will be no formal funeral or visitation services. The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, January 16th at Mama Mia’s in Livonia.
