Obituary of Joan Marie Smith

The death of Joan Marie (Ronald) Smith of Saint John, wife of the late Ralph Eldon Smith, occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Woodstock, NB on July 26, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Robert Jardine and Hilda Matilda (Lamont) Ronald. Prior to starting a family, Joan worked as a Radiotherapy Technician at the Saint John General Hospital. An avid volunteer, Joan had various roles and responsibilities with many different organizations; she was the provincial coordinator for the Mastectomy Reach to Recover Program, a Director of the NB Cancer Society, the District Commissioner for Girl Guides NB, Director for Girl Guides Canada, a Director of NBPOH/New Brunswick Children’s Foundation, a member of the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary, an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels, The Hospice Shoppe, Imperial Theatre, and she held various positions at Portland United Church. An avid gardener, Joan also established and maintained the Oncology Garden at the Saint John Regional Hospital, and she also loved spending time in her own garden. She loved doing anything outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends. Joan is survived by her daughter, Janet Diamond (John); son, Stephen (Tara); five grandchildren: Jeffrey, Gregory, and Robert Diamond and Rachelle and Alexander Smith; as well she will be missed by extended family members and many very dear and close friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was predeceased by her sisters: Kathryn Holt, Ruth McIntosh, Marjorie Brown, and Muriel McAfee; and brothers, James and David. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A memorial service will be held at Portland United Church, 50 Newport Crescent on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11am. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Bobby’s Hospice, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.brenansfh.com