Joan Cavanaugh Smith

The family of Joan Cavanaugh Smith is saddened to announce her passing, at her home, on December 9,2025 at the age of 97 after a brief illness.

Joan was born May 13th, (Mother's Day) 1928 to Mary Aline Atkinson Cavanaugh Langley and Frank P. Cavanaugh in Bedford, NH. After her father's untimely passing the family moved to Concord, NH where her mother was employed by the State of NH and worked tirelessly to create and foster the fledgling Division of Human Services.

Joan graduated from Concord High School in 1946. When her brother, John P. Cavanaugh, received an appointment to the US Naval Academy the path was cleared for Joan to attend college. She graduated from Wellesley College summa cum laude in 1950 and went on to earn two Master's Degrees from Smith College.

Joan was married to Nelson Hood Smith on May 29, 1953, after Hood's discharge with honor from the US Army and the couple purchased a farm in Conway, NH that same year. Deepwater Farm was their home until the family moved to Ryegate in 1974.

Joan followed in her mother's footsteps and began a career with the State of NH, Division of Human Services where she remained until her retirement. After retirement from full time employment Joan embarked on a full schedule of part time work including (but not limited to) Teacher's aide at area schools, docent at the St Johnsbury Athenaeum, volunteer at the Fairbanks Museum, volunteer at the bookstore Second Hand Prose, and Lister for the Town of Ryegate. Joan's involvement in North Country Chorus, as a singer, as a waitress at the annual Madrigal Dinner and as an avid participant in their world travels was a huge source of joy in her life.

Joan is survived by her son, Matthew N. Smith and his wife Holly Ivel, of Raleigh, NC, daughter Caroline S. Smith, of Ryegate VT, and son Andrew J. Smith and his wife Jill S. Skochdopole, also of Ryegate. Her grandchildren are Rachel E. Smith of Washington, DC and Daniel R. Smith of San Francisco, CA. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband Nelson Hood Smith on October 6th, 2002, just a few months before their 50th wedding anniversary.

The family would like to thank Dr Steven Genereaux and Dr Fay Homan of Little Rivers Health Care for going above and beyond in helping us support Joan at home, where she wanted to finish her life's journey. Caledonia Co. Home Health Care and Hospice were a huge help and chatting with the nurses was a delightful interlude for Joan.

No services are planned and the family would like to ask that in Joan's memory people read, widely and well, and be kind to one another. While fiercely independent herself she had nothing but kindness, generosity and understanding for others.

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