Skip to content
April 3, 1947 - August 24, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joann Sharon Smith of Red Deer on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at age 72 after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her illness, Joann maintained her sense of strength, wit, and deep love for her family and friends.
Joann was born on April 3, 1947 in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to Alleen (Eichel) and Lloyd (Slim) Garnett as the youngest of 8 children. Joann grew up in Rocky Mountain House and married the love of her life, Robert Harris Smith on July 3, 1965 and later welcomed their son Brad Smith in 1965 and daughter Rhonda in 1968. Robert and Joann settled down in Alix, Alberta in 1976 where they owned, R & J Foods. In 1989, Robert and Joann moved to Red Deer, Alberta and after Joann's retirement in 2010, she found her passion for quilting. She joined the Quilters With Purpose group in Sylvan Lake and her gifted hand at quilting made her quilts a special gift which the recipients will always cherish.
Joann loved her family and was known as an organizer for bringing her loved ones together. She had a special bond with her grandchildren, always proud of their accomplishments and excited for their next visit. She was closely connected to her immediate family, siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her loved ones will always remember her words of wisdom, witty humour, strength of character, and good conversation.
Joann is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert Smith, son Brad Smith (Leanne Bauer), and daughter Rhonda (Charlie) Broughton, grandchildren Justin and Jordan Smith, Brittney (William Klassen) and Brooke Broughton, and Leanne's two sons Nathan (Brett) Boodt and Reuben (Kristy) Boodt. Surviving siblings are Elaine (John) MacBeth, Donna Robertson (Jack Banks), Angy (Dave) Darbyshire, Eleanor Garnett, two sisters-in-law Tammy Gerow and Rene McDonald, as well as several nieces and nephews. Joann was predeceased by her parents Alleen and Lloyd Garnett, siblings Shirley Rumbles, Roy (Trudy) and Herb Garnett, nephews Dennis Darbyshire and Ronnie Rumbles, nieces Crystal Garnett and Sandi (Paul) Tetrault.
A service will be held at Alliance Community Church, 4404 47 Ave, Sylvan Lake, AB on Friday, August 30, 2019 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joann's memory can be made to Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Ave, Red Deer, AB, T4R 3S6.