JoAnn was born on March 3, 1954 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Anthony and Mary Jo Vecchiarelli. A graduate of Trinity Catholic High School, JoAnn earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Saint Louis University in 1977, majoring in Speech-Language Pathology. During her time at SLU, she served as head cheerleader and was also active in her sorority, Theta Phi Theta.
Following graduate school, JoAnn moved to Kansas City, where she would assist in launching the Speech-Language Pathology program at Saint Luke’s Hospital. It was in Kansas City that she met “Smitty”, her partner for the next 42 years.
Upon welcoming their son Jonathan, JoAnn stepped away from her career as a speech therapist to focus on ‘her boys’. She was a devoted wife and mother, ever generous with her time to causes she held dear – her Catholic faith, family, education, and the less fortunate. She lived her values and inspired others to do the same, and the world is a less compassionate place without her light in it.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband Duaine Smith; son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Olivia Smith; grandson, Teddy Smith; and brothers, Charles Vecchiarelli (Polly) and Vincent Vecchiarelli (Kelly). She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Mary Jo Vecchiarelli and her daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Smith.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity Catholic High School in Hutchinson, KS. The family will receive friends Friday, May 2, 2025 beginning at 12 noon, followed by a Funeral mass at 1 o’clock at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4665 Northside Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327. Interment services will be in Hutchinson, Kansas at a later date.
