Joan Smith

Joan (Nicholas) Smith 79

Paxton - Joan (Nicholas) Smith, 79, longtime Paxton resident passed away unexpectedly in her sleep, Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Joan was born in Worcester, the daughter of Louis and Olga (Sthika) Nicholas. A graduate of Commerce High School, Joan then earned her degree from Salters Secretarial School. Joan then worked in the insurance industry for various companies including Mancuso-Nowak Insurance in Shrewsbury before retiring. Joan then assisted her husband Ralph Smith, Jr. at Poppys Ice Cream.

Joan's husband, of 18 years Ralph D. Smith, Jr. passed away in 2008. She is survived by her brother, Robert Nicholas, his wife Judith and their children, Robert L. Nicholas and Angela E. Nicholas of Hudson; her three step children she considered her own, Gary Smith and his wife Judy of West Boylston, Gail A. Reyell of Worcester, Suzanne M. Pisinski and her husband Donald of Sterling; six grandchildren, Christina Priebe and her husband Ray, Allison Murphy and her husband Ryan, Stephen Smith and his wife Kaitlin, Jamie Henderson and her husband Brian, Tyler Reyell and his girlfriend Amanda and Caroline Pisinski; seven great grandchildren; her best friend Mary Stevens of West Boylston and her pet cat Emma; other extended family members and friends. Besides her husband and parents, Joan was predeceased by her brother, James "Jimmy" Nicholas, son in law Ricky Reyell, and son in law to be James Lynch.

Joan loved her orthodox faith and was very involved in her church St Mary's Albanian Orthodox church. She was a member St Mary's women's guild, and a volunteer in many of its church functions including the Semi-annual festival. She truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important aspects in her life and had room in her heart for everyone she met. She was very generous with her love, time and resources, and helped anyone she could. She dedicated her life to caring for her husband, her brother Jimmy and mother Olga. Her unwavering dedication to them kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten. Joan also enjoyed crafts, antiques, knitting, and gardening.

A period of calling hours will be held Thursday, March 16th from 10:00 am to 10:45 am in St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St., followed by her funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial next to her husband Ralph will follow in Mt Vernon Cemetery, West Boylston. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name can be made to St Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury St. 01609. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

www.mercadantefuneral.com