Barbara Joan Smith
March 31, 1960 - April 23, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of (Barbara) Joan Smith, after a courageous battle with cancer. Joan passed away on April 23, 2023 with her daughter Alysha and Best friend Maria at her side at the West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville Ontario.
Predeceased by her parents Barbara and Bill Smith, Sisters Cheryl and Cathy, her dear niece Christine (Swayze), her daughter Jessica and her beloved son Kyle who went to heaven just months before calling for his angel mom to join him.
Joan lived a beautiful life filled with laughter, kindness, and a contagious ability to befriend anyone who came her way.
Joan is greatly missed by her soulmate and love of her life Ernest Thebeault whom she enjoyed the last 22 years with along with her sweet dog Piper. She is survived and will be celebrated by her two daughters Jennifer and Alysha Clinton, her brothers Len Cardwell (Juanita), Albert Smith, and her sister Patricia Pink. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours.
Everyone who knew Joan knew she was stubbornly independent, had a tenacity for enjoying life, especially the outdoors, and enjoyed a good laugh, always finding joy in the small things, be it a home cooked meal with her award-winning gravy, or just a cozy night in watching a nature documentary with her Hunny Bunny.
A heartfelt thank-you to the staff at West Haldimand General Hospital in both the Emergency Department and the third-floor staff for the compassionate care Joan received during her frequent visits. Thank you as well to Joan's team of caring nurses, PSW's, doctors, respirologists and everyone involved in her care during her incredible battle with this terrible illness the past few years. Everyone who came into contact with Joan practiced such gentle compassion and empathy and it left a mark on all of our hearts to see a woman we all loved be cared for so well. Thank you as well to Maria Sharp for showing what true friendship is, giving her time, strength, knowledge and ability to bring a smile to Joan's face even as she waited for her call to join her children in Heaven.
Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life will take place at Hyde & Mott Chapel, 60 Main St. S., Hagersville, ON on Saturday, May 6th. Visitation will begin at 12pm and a service at 1pm. Friends and relatives are welcome to spend some time with Ernie and family members at Joan and Ernie’s home afterwards.
Donations can be made in Joan’s name to: bearcreeksanctuary.com/donate_now.htm or to VON: https://von.ca/en/donation-form in thanks to the wonderful care she received during her battle.
We love you Joan and will hold you in our hearts for eternity,
rest now and fly free our Angel.