Obituary of Joan Marie Smith

Joan Marie Smith, 86, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2021 in Elmhurst, IL with her sons by her side . A longtime St. Paul resident, she worked as a nurse at Abbott Northwestern Hospital for 30 years. Preceded in death by husband Richard. Survived by sons Brian (Shannon) of Oak Brook, IL and David of Chicago; sisters Maureen Hay and Petronilla Schuh; grandchildren Samuel and Shea; and many nieces and nephews. Born in Ft. Dodge, IA, the thirteenth of fourteen children, she was the embodiment of the stoic Midwesterner, with a quiet demeanor, deep faith and strong work ethic. Behind the placid exterior was a genuine warmth and kindness, as well as an unmatched sense of humor. Visitation on Monday, June 21 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, Grand Ave, St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of the Assumption, 51 7th St W, St Paul, on June 22 at 10 am. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association alz.org. Visitation on Monday, June 21 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, Grand Ave, St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Burial mass at Church of the Assumption, 51 7th St W, St Paul, on June 22 at 10 am.