Joanne Smith of Wellesley, MA, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on December 28, 2025, with her husband by her side.
Born in 1952 to Frank Barba and Elda Pensieri, Joanne grew up in Schenectady, NY. She graduated from Shalmont High School and Schenectady County Community College before beginning her career in administrative roles at General Electric and Honeywell. Her curiosity and determination later led her to transition into computer programming within Honeywell—an accomplishment she was proud of.
In 1980, Joanne married Douglas Smith and lovingly became stepmother to Todd, Scott, and Wylie. The couple settled in Loudonville, NY, and in 1981 welcomed their daughter, Jennifer Lynn. Joanne embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, devoting herself to creating a warm, joyful, and wellordered home. In 1984, the family moved to Wellesley, MA, where she continued to pour her energy into raising her children and supporting her family.
A devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Joanne volunteered for many years at St. John’s School, teaching computer skills to elementary students. She also worked closely coordinating altar flower arrangements and decorating the church for holidays and feast days—work she approached with both reverence and creativity.
Throughout these years, the family enjoyed memorable trips to Europe, the Caribbean, and destinations across the United States. Yet Joanne was always happiest at home. She took great pride in maintaining a meticulous household and was an exceptional hostess. She delighted in planning gatherings for Doug’s colleagues and especially excelled during large family celebrations. While Thanksgiving and Christmas were cherished, Easter was her favorite—she orchestrated elaborate egg hunts and infused the day with joy and tradition.
After Jennifer left for college, Joanne began working at Talbots, where she formed friendships that lasted the rest of her life. She approached every role—whether professional or volunteer—with dedication, integrity, and an unmatched work ethic.
Joanne retired when her grandson, Charlie, was born, embracing with her whole heart her new role as “Noni.” Her later years were filled with daily time spent with Charlie and her granddaughter Joelle, moments she treasured deeply.
Joanne will be remembered for her boundless energy, her generosity of spirit, and her unwavering devotion to her home and family. Her presence filled every room she entered, and her love will continue to shape the lives of those she leaves behind.
Visitation at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley on Thursday, January 1, from 4-7pm as well as on Friday, January 2, from 10-11am followed by a funeral service beginning in the funeral home at 11am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to the Autism Alliance at www.autismalliance.org.