Joan Roberta Smith

Middletown, NY

Joan Roberta Smith of Middletown, NY, entered into the arms of Jesus on Monday, August 4, 2008, at her residence. She was 66 years old.

The daughter of the late Robert and Marguerite Hughes, Joan was born January 19, 1942 in Ridgewood, NY.

She attended Grover Cleveland High School and was very active in her church, Covenant Lutheran. She attended SUNY at Plattsburgh NY, earning a BS degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, Joan married James E. Smith Jr. of Brooklyn, NY, in 1966.

Her career began as a second grade teacher at PS-88. She was also a home tutor. After moving to Middletown in 1986, she worked for the county of Orange, from which she retired in 2004. Joan was a talented knitter and seamstress who also enjoyed cooking, gardening and canning. Above all, her greatest love in life was for her family. She surrounded herself with pictures of her children, grandchildren, and other family members. They were always on her mind and in her heart. She will truly be missed by all of them.

Joan is survived at home by her husband, James, of 42 years; two daughters, Lauren O'Donohue and her husband, Tom of Wurtsboro NY, and Nancy West and her husband, Michael of Newburgh, NY; her sister, Marguerite Thompson and her husband, Bill of Middle Village NY, as well as four grandchildren: Melissa, Connor, Alice and Zoe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be made at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, read a book to a child, tell someone you love them, hug a friend.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gerard Quigley of Quigley Funeral & Cremation Service, 37 Maple Ave., Rock Tavern, NY; 845-567-1788.