Photo courtesy of Waters Funeral Home - Concord
Concord, New Hampshire
Joan Maria Bernadette LaValley Smith of Boscawen was freed from all pain on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 at Concord Hospital. Joan passed unexpectedly but had been valiantly taking on multiple health issues for some time. Her room barely held the number of family present to see her off. And there were cookies.
A devoted wife and outstanding mother, sister and Mimi. A legendary cook, baker and seamstress. As a small business owner and entrepreneur, she and her family were the faces that ran Cowdrey’s Country Store in Webster for eleven years. Her whoopie pies are renowned. Teacher. Mentor. Thoroughly fluent in sarcasm. She loved and enjoyed many things, including her Catholic faith, bread, candy and her granddaughter Izabella.
Her legacy echoes on through her husband Al and sons Allen Jr. and wife Megan Smith, and Jerry and wife Eliza Tasker-Smith, siblings Carol Claveaux, Jean Delano and Kerry, James, David and Richard LaValley, sister-in-law Connie Hamel and husband Douglas, as well as an extensive community who all loved and adored her. Joan has been reunited with her parents Donald and Audrey LaValley, founders of the Bittersweet Fabric Shop, and brother Donald Jr.
A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday December 6th at 11 AM in the Chapel of the Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main Street, Concord.
Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Penacook.
In lieu of flowers, please regularly contact those you love dearly and tell them as much whilst enjoying a slice of bread with REAL butter, or you can make a donation in her memory to the Shriners Hospital of New England 516 Carew Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
Read MoreA beautiful soul is now looking down on us. I met Joan as her teacher at MV where I began my career. We remained friends as we went forward. Joan took care of my son when she lived in Chichester. She had a quick wit and always that great smile! Sending love to the family as I know she is still in their hearts. As Thanksgiving approaches once again, I am thankful for her place in my life.
Kathy Baum
November 26, 2024 | Concord, NH
My heart goes out to the whole family. Joan was a kind and caring person. She cared for my son Jim years ago. We shared time at MV, many hours in the kitchen. Prayers for the repose of her soul. May God bless you all with His peace and give you strength in the days ahead. Sending love.
Kathy Baum
December 12, 2023 | Friend
Al and family, I'm sorry for your loss. Joan was a great person with a great sense of humor. She was loved by all whi met her.
John Dyer
December 09, 2023 | Friend
Deepest condolences to the Smith and LaValley families on the loss of Joan. Many memories of classes and sewing shared with her.
Tassee (LaClair) McAuley
December 08, 2023 | Friend
Single Tree
MVHS Class of 1972
December 07, 2023 | Boscawen, NH
My deepest heart felt condolences to the Smith and LaValley family. You always knew where you stood with Joan, a very special, giving and caring person
Robert Heath
December 05, 2023 | Friend
I have so many fond memories growing up as a young girl with Joan and the LaValley family on Cottage Street. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Susan (York) Fontaine
December 04, 2023 | Friend
My sincere condolences to the whole family Thoughts and prayers go out to you all
Tony Howe
December 04, 2023 | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Trefethen
December 04, 2023
