Joan Stacy Smith died peacefully at her home in Litchfield, CT on June 21, 2021 at the age of 91. Mrs. Smith was born in Hyannis, MA thus beginning her life-long love of Cape Cod, its beaches and fried clams. Joan grew up in Rhode Island and attended St. Xavier Academy where she was the editor of the school newspaper. She studied education at Rhode Island College of Education where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Joan had a decades-long career as a middle school teacher with her last position at St. Anne Catholic School in Waterbury. Joan married Sheldon Eugene Smith Sr. of Plainville, MA and was married for 37 years until his passing in 1993. Sheldon and Joan were true partners, supporting each other through six states, six children, three elected positions, two careers, and one successful small business. Together they had six children, 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her children remember fondly her love of history, reading, flowers, Ireland, her nightly Manhattan and, of course, her loving tolerance of the family's annual camping trips. Her family treasured her incredible guidance as they navigated school and life, her devotion to her parents and extended family and her strong convictions on justice and equality that followed her into her public life and which she imbued in her children. Her grandchildren believe she is simply the best. In 1973, Joan and Sheldon moved to Bethlehem, CT where they became an active and important part of the town with much community conversation, planning and camaraderie around their kitchen table. Joan continued her passion for education serving on the Region 14 School Board for more than 20 years becoming well-respected for her unwavering focus on the students. In 1978, Joan and Sheldon opened The Christmas Shop in Bethlehem, well known and loved throughout the Northeast. Her children have met people all over the country that fondly remember their annual trips to the Christmas Shop. After Mr. Smith's passing, Joan owned the Christmas Shop with her son until her retirement in 2003, moving to Litchfield that same year. Until the day she died, Joan was a force to be reckoned with. She completed the New York Times crossword puzzle in pen, kept up to date with her beloved Democratic Party and with current political and social events. Joan was incredibly well-read and a gifted writer and artist. As was true throughout her life, Joan was a constant source of guidance and love to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her advice was always be nice and HAVE FUN. Joan Stacy Smith will be greatly missed and always loved. Joan Smith is survived by many who love her including daughter Madeline Kruzel, husband Paul, and their children Meghann and Ryan and his fiancée Jenny Mariano; daughter Melissa Peacor, husband Grant and their son Brendan, his wife Allison and their children Liam and Finley; son Sheldon E. Smith Jr., wife Donna and their children, daughter Madeline, and her fiancé Jake Saeva, and son Colin; daughter Angela Brightly, husband Russ and their sons William and Michael; daughter Stacy Mortenson, husband Paul and their children Alicia, Angela and Sam; and son James Smith, wife Colleen and their daughters Cara and Kailey. Joan is also survived by her sister-in-law Judy Stacy, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Joan Smith was preceded in death by her devoted husband Sheldon, beloved parents Sumner and Madeline Stacy and brother Sumner C. Stacy Jr. Arrangements are through Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street, Woodbury, CT with visiting hours on Friday, June 25th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 26th at 10 am, St. Anthony's of Padua, 49 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759. Burial is private on Cape Cod. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury, Inc., P.O. Box 1612 Waterbury, CT 06721, www.svdpmission.org. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com