Joan Irvine Smith

My mother, Louise Turner Arnold, was such a good friend of Joan's and they collaborated on the founding of the U.C.I. Campus as well as other educational philanthropies. The two women were 'real pistols' and it was fun to be a part of their lives.
Nancy Turner Casebier

When I was a beat reporter assigned to cover the Irvine Company in the 1970s and 1980s, Joan impressed me as a woman with a will of steel and considerable business acumen whom company executives, all men, had no choice but to take seriously. Joan cared about preserving the beauty of south Orange County by protecting its coastline and water resources and collecting plein air art of once wild places the way her grandfather would have remembered them. This was the legacy she wanted and...

I had the pleasure of working with/for Joan at The Oaks. We were saving her Oak trees from disease and beetles. Joan was very passionate about her Oaks and I am glad we were able to protect the trees while she was there. Joan, Thanks for the signed book, your time talking with me, and your preservation of nature for the rest of us to enjoy in Orange County. RIP

My heart goes out to her family and friends. Our community is such a better place because of her efforts. She has left a tremendous legacy. RIP

My sincerest condolences to all of the Irvine family. I had the opportunity to sit with Joan at several events and that small time I spent with her was always nothing short of amazing. Although she was now up in her years, her strength and fortitude was always present.
I feel Joan and her family have been one of the few driving forces that has brought a whole new awareness to what we call California Impressionism and in doing that, I feel a whole movement of art appreciation, regional...

A grand lady at all times. May she Rest In Peace.

I'm so many ways, you made our county a better place to live. I'm so thankful for your legacy, and, even though I only met you a few times at fundraisers, I grieve the loss of a bright woman who made me smile. My prayer for your family is that they will find comfort and hope and know light in dark times.

Very sorry to read of the passing of Joan Irvine Smith. I will never forget meeting her briefly while working at the BofA in Laguna, she was an infrequent customer of our branch.

A true selfless person; giving so much of her life to the betterment of society, not just OC but the world. Her strong presence in many arenas; the equestrian, environmental, educational, historical and art has touched everyone who lives in Orange County. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for the...