JoAnne Z. Smallwood

JoAnne Zimmermann Smallwood passed away November 16, 2021, in Longmont. She and husband Blair, arrived in Boulder with four of their six children in 1959, making Boulder their hometown. JoAnne was born August 11, 1927, to Edwin & Beatrice Zimmermann in Casselton, N.D. She earned a BS in Home Economics from North Dakota State University in 1949. In 1968 she would graduate from Colorado State University with a Master of Science degree in Home Economics. She was an educator of Home Economics for the St. Vrain Valley School District between the years 1968 – 1988.

JoAnne married Walter Blair Smallwood, Jr. of Minot N.D. in 1950. Together they had six children between the years 1951 - 1963. JoAnne became a working mother when her youngest child entered school. Using her professional expertise JoAnne managed the domicile of her family by coordinating the daily demands of running a household and attending to the activities of six busy children. The family enjoyed skiing together at Hidden Valley (Estes Park) and Sunlight (Glenwood Springs) for more than 30 years.

JoAnne was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Boulder. She was involved with many fellowship programs including Prospectors, Mariners, Bible study, Quilting Circle, Doorways, and member of the funeral hostess team. Other volunteerism included a Naturalist for Boulder Parks & Open Spaces. Boulder Senior Center benefited from her numerous commitments in promoting, attending, instructing, and chaperoning programs and field trips. JoAnne was an active member of Boulder’s Tuesday hikers for three decades, hiking with this group into her 80’s. She was a veteran participant in the annual 10K Bolder Boulder race, having run or walked 19 races, her last finish at age of 90!

Traveling was a passion and preoccupation. Together she and Blair circumnavigated the globe visiting foreign countries including but not limited to Africa, Egypt, Russia, Ireland, Scotland, England, Egypt, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Costa Rica, Peru, Newfoundland, Greenland and many more. Traveling across America took them state by state on foot, on bike, on train, by plane, boat, bus, automobile, or ferry. They would return home with tales of adventure to share. Choosing trips offered through Elder Hostel and Roads Scholars allowed them to combine recreation with scholastic intrigue.

JoAnne was a quintessential seamstress. With time so limited JoAnne could be found at her sewing machine in the wee hours while children slept to pursue haute couture!

She is survived by her six children: W. Blair Smallwood III, (Lanette), Paul Smallwood (Cathy), Jean Ann Smallwood Day (John), Thomas Smallwood (Mavanee), Mary Beth Smallwood Jackson (Doug), Scott Smallwood (Becky). The Smallwood family tree includes 20 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held, at Community Faith Lutheran Church, 9775 Ute Highway, Longmont, Colorado 80504. December 2, 2021, at 2:00pm.

A Reception will be held directly following the service, at Faith Community Lutheran Church, 9775 Ute Highway Longmont, Colorado 80504, in the fellowship hall.

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