Joan Anna Smith

Joan Anna Smith, 85, of Williamsville, NY, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of Hospice Buffalo, Inc.

Born on April 4, 1941, in Buffalo, New York, Joan was the daughter of the late John C. and Anna A. (Dziedzic) Taton. On August 16, 1958, she married the love of her life, Ronald G. Smith, in Swormville, New York. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and unconditional love.

Joan's family was her greatest blessing and proudest accomplishment. As the devoted mother of eight children, grandmother of twenty grandchildren, and great-grandmother of eleven great-grandchildren, she created a legacy rooted in love, kindness, and togetherness that will continue for generations.

Those who knew Joan will forever remember her warm smile, joyful spirit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She never met a stranger. Family, friends, neighbors, and newcomers alike were greeted with the same generosity and heartfelt hospitality. She delighted in bringing people together and believed that every milestone, large or small, deserved to be celebrated. Her favorite phrase, "Let's have a party!", perfectly captured her approach to life. For Joan, gathering loved ones around a table, sharing stories, laughter, and good company, was one of life's greatest gifts.

Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of a cup of hot tea and toast, a simple pleasure she enjoyed every morning. She cherished long conversations, treasured time with family and friends, and embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories.

A gifted seamstress, Joan shared her remarkable talent with those she loved. She lovingly created wedding gowns for family members and designed countless dresses for special occasions. Each garment was a reflection of her creativity, patience, and devotion, becoming a treasured keepsake for those fortunate enough to receive one.

Joan also loved the outdoors and found joy in camping, hiking, traveling, and spending quiet evenings beside a campfire. No matter where life took her, she found happiness in the people around her and the adventures they shared.

More than anything, Joan possessed a rare gift for making others feel at home. To many, she was more than a mother or grandmother; she was everyone's "Mom." Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering optimism touched countless lives and left an enduring mark on all who knew her.

Besides her parents and beloved husband, Ronald, Joan was predeceased by her loving son, Douglas Smith; cherished daughter, Lynn Schneider; and dear sister, Carol (late Richard) Mitchell.

She is survived by her loving children, Thomas (Marti) Smith, Kenneth (Donna) Smith, Nancy (Duke) Downard, Patricia (Dana) Hammer, Robert (Lisa) Smith, and Kristin Smith; cherished grandchildren, Elissa Smith, Juliana Smith, Isabella Smith, Molly Smith, Johanna Smith, Duke (Eryn) Downard, Sampson (Nicole) Downard, Emily (Elliot) Louisos, Hannah (Jobe) Ringer, Levi (Kelli) Hammer, Jacob (Christina) Hammer, Bentley Hammer, Corey Hammer, Carly (Jake) Torriere, Harrison Smith, Claire Smith, Stewert Smith, Abram Smith, Anna Schneider, and Pippa Schneider; adored great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Rosemary, Oliver, Timothy, Rowan, Isla, Jaco, Ezra, Amos, Delilah, and Asher; dear brothers, John Taton and Louis (Marilyn) Taton; son-in-law, Todd Schneider; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Joan's legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she created, the celebrations she hosted, and the countless lives she touched with her love and generosity. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever be present whenever family gathers, stories are shared, and laughter fills the room. In true Joan fashion, heaven surely gained the planner for its next great celebration.

Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville. A Celebration of Joan's Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Please share condolences at HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com.