Obituary of Josephine Anne Smith

Age 81, of Windsor, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. She was born in Halifax and was lovingly known as JoAnne.

JoAnne dedicated 22 years of her life to the Department of National Defense (DND), Canadian Forces Base, CFB Halifax and retired in 1995. Throughout her career, she worked in Marcom, Base Compt. and BCE. She made many close friends during her career and they have remained close throughout the years.

She was a loving life force and will always be remembered for her ready smile, infectious laugh and huge heart. Her humble kindness affected everyone she met and she will be greatly missed by many. After retiring, she moved from Halifax to Upper Vaughan with her husband, Ralph Smith, where she became an integral part of the local Baptist Church and community. JoAnne joined a small group of women in the community who organized the Upper Vaughan Hospital Auxiliary, raising thousands to help fund the local hospital, Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. Their efforts resulted in the donation of a blood donation chair, which was greatly appreciated. This community of women has been a significant part of JoAnne's life since retirement.

JoAnne is survived by her husband, Ralph Gerald Smith; daughter, Tammy A. (Thomas) Askins; son, William A. (Heather) Soper; grandchildren, Taylor Soper and Jessica Hughes-Soper; sister, Frankie (Richard) Allen. She also leaves behind many friends and acquaintances who will miss her dearly.

JoAnne and her family would like to thank the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, ICU for their kindness and care given during her final days.

JoAnne Smith will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, infectious spirit and the positive impact she made on the lives of those around her. May she rest in peace, forever cherished in our hearts.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., PO Box 981, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 (902-798-8317). A private burial will be held in Lakeview Cemetery, Upper Vaughan. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, August 19 anytime between 1-3 p.m., in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre, to help celebrate JoAnne’s life. In lieu of flowers, JoAnne requested that donations in her memory be made to Hope for Wildlife, 5909 Highway 207, Seaforth, NS B0J 2L0 (902-407-9453). Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.