Joan W. Smith

Joan W. Smith, formerly of Rome, NY, passed away peacefully in Williamsburg, VA, on Saturday, July 7, 2018. She was 79. She was born in Syracuse, NY, to James Wilcox and Lucille Emery. As a young girl, she moved to Bayshore, NY, where she lived with her aunt, Leita Kelly. In 1961, she married Robert Smith, a union that lasted nearly 57 years. Joan earned a teaching degree from what is now SUNY Cortland. She later went on to earn a Masters of Library Science from Indiana University. She worked for many years as a school librarian in the Rome City School District, primarily at Louis V. Denti Elementary School. She and Bob traveled the world before retiring to Williamsburg, VA in 2000. She was a great friend, a good neighbor, and she loved her family dearly. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. Joan is survived by her husband Bob; her son Ken Smith and his wife Mila, Poulsbo, WA; her daughter Karen Izdepski and her husband Erich, Falls Church, VA; her beloved grandchildren Matt and Richard Smith and William, Evelyn, and Elizabeth Izdepski; her sisters Jean Torregrossa and Nancy Emery; her brother David Wilcox and his wife Phillipa; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA, on Saturday, July 21, at 10:00 am. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the USO, Fisher House Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.