I remember Joan for her spontaneity, her wit, her intense caring, her warmth and her sense of play. She was loyal and authentic. She was my friend. I miss her.

Her favorite picture book was "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes," a story about a good-hearted lady who triumphs over adversity through pluck and determination.  Not a bad metaphor for Joan's life.

Please accept my condolences.  Joan was a friend to my Mother, Berle, a fellow librarian.  Joan was also a wonderful mentor to my niece, Lauren, who is now a librarian too.  Thank you Joan for sharing your kind and generous spirit.

Dear Cheryl and Eric Words fall short in any attempt to express who  your sister and mother  was to so many people.  She always had so much pride in both of you and what family meant to her.  Her passion for learning was monumental not just as a librarian  sharing her excitement of being a lifetime learner.  If teachers affect eternity, she taught many people who will continue to appreciate the incredible power of sharing knowledge.  Her enthusiasm for the love of books how much one can no will be handed down for many  generation to generations to come.  She was generous with everyone she cared about sharing her time, talents and most of all the treasures of herself with so many individuals.  Her dedication contributed to so many people soaring because of her encouragement and inspiration.  She will leave a long shadow of all her accomplishments and legacies of being an advocate for women to be strong.  Her dedication and  courage was legendary and for someone struggling with liver failure she gave hope to others and never gave up.  She was always thinking of others and how their lives could be improved.  She was a gentle spirit whose love of her animal reflected her sensitivity to making many feline friends feel  cherished.  There are few people that so  positively impact so individuals like your sister and mother touching people's lives in ways that would never be forgotten.  Relationships were her flowers that she cultivated the garden of her life blossoming with so much love. She  was a mentor for many and I consider myself so privileged be touched by her life.  Though  lost to  sight in memory  she will forever be close to  our heart.  Russ Scabbo

I worked with Joan during her Library of Michigan days. She knew I loved theater and she was on the board of Boarshead. We went to several shows together. I knew she was an amazing woman, but reading these tributes confirms it. She will live on in our collective memories.

I met Joan through the Livingston County Transplant Support Group in the spring of 2010, less than a year after her own diagnosis.  She was very enthusiastic about starting a similar support group in the Lansing area, dedicated to the idea of giving other pre- and post-transplant patients a local place of support and education about relevant medical issues.  We started the group in the fall of the same year and it continues to meet now five years later.  In spite of her own serious health limitations, Joan worked tirelessly as the facilitator, networking to bring in a variety of speakers and to make the group known as a resource in the community.  Joan was an inspiration to all and many became involved in Gift of Life outreach events through her example.  She was very open publicly about her own need for a transplant and was a passionate voice for organ donation.  I believe this all grew out of who Joan was as a person -- a great encourager and “cheerleader,” always reaching beyond her own self with a vision of helping others.  She was a kind, caring, warm person who I had the privilege of getting to know these past five years, not only because of our transplant support group but as a good friend.  She continued to live a very rich and full life in spite of her difficult health struggles and was determined to stay as active as she could for the betterment of others.   Joan, the miracle of your life is that we all had the privilege of knowing you and seeing a life filled with courage, determination and love.

Mrs Smith, I just wanted to say you raised a very kind and compassionate son ... My friend Eric.

Joan, you deeply touched each one of our lives.  We know that your indomitable spirit lives on ...  
~ Lansing Area Transplant Support Group

I worked for Joan, she was a passionate person and I learned so much from her. ~ Pennie, former employee

As Jennifer Tislerics said, I had the honor of working with Joan in two of her intersecting worlds. She was my supervisor at the Okemos Library. As many have said, she was devoted to the Okemos community and the library. Later, I became a kidney donor and we worked on organ donation awareness and support.

I know she saved lives by getting people to sign up for the Organ Donor Registry. If only it could have happened for her.  Let's honor her by signing up as many organ donors as we can.

Joan was an active and committed member of the community. She  demonstrated generosity and dedication to the causes that were important to her, such as literacy and the Okemos Library, Rotary International, and her passionate involvement with Gift of Life. We will miss her.

Joan worked tirelessly to encourage others to give the gifts of life, sight and mobility. I had the honor of working with her when two of her worlds intersected - on a statewide library-based campaign to promote organ, tissue and eye donation.  Her presence and perseverance will be missed.

I met Joan in 2010 and we did many Gift of Life events together.  Joan worked very hard at events and the SOS office to sign up people on the organ donor registry.  She also was the leader of the Lansing Transplant support group.  Joan was outgoing, friendly and could always be counted on.  She will be missed in many areas. Rest in peace Joan.

I knew Joan 15 years; as her daughter-in-law. Instead of in-laws we were more like sisters. The first time I met her, I was so taken by her wonderful hospitality. I loved Joan. She was a very special, awesome, fun, smart, amazing person. What a terrible loss to every person who knew her. Joan, Eric and I will always miss you and you will forever be in our hearts.

Joan was a kind, generous woman who gave of her time and energy, in particular to improve the lives of those in need of a transplant.  She will be missed.
Alice Hochman

OBITUARY

Joan C. Smith

October 8, 1942 – September 30, 2014

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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