Joan Smith-Torrey

Joan P. Smith-Torrey (87) passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, at the Yale University Hospital Hospice. Joan was born on January 28, 1936, in Norwalk, CT, to Donald R. and Winifred P. Smith. She resided in New Canaan, CT, where she attended elementary school and later graduated in 1954 from So. Lancaster Academy, MA. Joan attended the annual SLA Reunions and personally remained in touch with many of her high school friends throughout the years.

Joan returned to work in New Canaan, CT, and was married in October 1954 to Donald Ferris. Two children were born to their family: David Smith Ferris in 1958 and Donna Patricia Ferris in 1960. They resided in the Bridgeport, CT, area until Don accepted a transfer with his company to California in 1960, where they lived in Santa Ana, CA, until 1970 when they moved back to live on the East Coast.

Joan lived in the Trumbull, CT, area and worked at the Cheesebrough Ponds USA Company. This is where she met Charles (Bud) Torrey, who was Section Head and Manager in Clinical Studies and Product Safety for Cheesebrough Ponds. This wonderful friendship later turned into wedding bells for them in 1988. They resided in Clinton, CT, where, in addition to commuting to work every day, they also enjoyed traveling near and far to visit relatives and friends, cruising, golfing, gardening, and working on house maintenance projects. Joan's life was also enriched for many years with the companionship and love she had for her furry friend, Benji, an apricot poodle. Joan especially enjoyed the Sudoku puzzles!

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Donald R. Smith and Winifred P. Smith: husbands Donald Ferris and Charles (Bud) Torrey; and, brothers John C. Smith and James R. Smith.

Joan is survived by her children David S. Ferris and Donna P. Ferris; step-daughters Susan B. Torrey (James Riviello), Torrey Harrison, and Lisa Torrey-Roderick (Jonathan Roderick); sister Janet May Smith Hilbert (Victor Hilbert); sister-in-law Louella Smith; nieces Shari (Smith) Magee, Heidi (Smith) Harrell, Stacey Smith and Pamela (Hilbert) Sock; and, nephews John-Kevin Hilbert, Jeff Hilbert, Jack Smith, and Michael Smith.

A Memorial Service celebrating Joan's life will be held this Spring at the Eastwood Cemetery in Lancaster, MA, where Joan will be joining her Mother and brother James in this beautiful cemetery site. The family of Joan P. Smith-Torrey wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Yale University Hospital/Hospice for their excellent care.