Joan Smarto

1934 - 2021

Joan Smarto
Vero Beach - Joan Smarto, 86, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully April 26, 2021 at home. She is survived by her husband, Robert Smarto of Vero Beach and four daughters: Susan Klinsport of Vero Beach, Florida, MaryAnn Smarto and Jennifer Lang of Newtown, PA; and Carrie Martin (Enda Martin) of County Kildare, Ireland. Six grandchildren include Kaitlyn Lang of Mongomery, AL; John Lang, Jr. of Newtown, PA; Alisa Klinsport and Edward Klinsport of Vero Beach, FL; and Ciara and Emer Martin of County Kildare, Ireland.
She was preceded in death by her brother Charles Ronald Howell; parents Charles and Ethel Heaton Howell. Nephew Charles Ronald Howell, Jr. of Blairsville, GA survives.
Joan was born in Newport, Rhode Island, October 29, 1934 where she lived until age 13, when the family relocated to Smyrna, Georgia. In high school Joan was an enthusiastic participant in cheerleading and basketball. She returned to Newport in 1951 to attend Salve Regina College where she graduated with a degree in Art. Following graduation, she became a Delta Airline Flight Attendant on "champagne flights" from Atlanta to New York when flying was a privilege. Her Life Plan was to "See the World" before settling into Family Life.
She married Robert Smarto after a chance meeting at Atlanta Airport. Their love story lasted for 62 years.
Joan spent over 50 years in Newtown, PA raising her four daughters and entertaining her grandchildren. During this time, she expanded her career to Special Education, where for 25 years she lovingly helped to develop work and life skills with her special students. She adored them and they her.
Joan was an avid gardener and gourmet cook. She was a skilled seamstress devoted to making both children's and doll clothes. She designed and made jewelry after developing into a skilled Lapidary Artist. As an artist she sketched and painted many of the Historic Homes and Structures of the Community. She also painted portraits and everyday scenes. Joan left her loving memory with many friends and family members through her artwork. She participated in Community Affairs, serving as a volunteer member of the Upper Makefield Township Zoning Board where she also edited and distributed the Township Newsletter.
Joan made extended trips to visit her daughter Carrie and family in Ireland, which became a second home to her. She traveled throughout Ireland, participated closely in the lives of her granddaughters, and is fondly remembered by the dear friends she made. Joan was true to her family and her deep Faith in the Lord her Savior. She left a shining light and mark of example on this earth.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint John of the Cross Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 12th at 10:30 AM followed by the Catholic Right of Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.
For those who are unable to make it in person, services will be live-streamed. You may visit the following link to view her services: https://youtu.be/SZdjMsF6vvg
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/ .
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com