1938 – 2015

LEWISTON — Joanna L. Smith, 76, of Lorraine Avenue, Lewiston, passed away early Sunday morning, Feb. 22, at Central Maine Medical Center, with family present.

She was born in Lewiston, May 4, 1938, at Central Maine General Hospital (now CMMC). She was the daughter of Robert Bishop Sr. and Mona (Jewett) Bishop. Joanna graduated from Edward Little High School with the Class of 1956 and graduated from the Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1959. She married Richard Smith on June 11, 1960.

Joanna worked in various positions as an RN starting at CMGH, subsequently in doctors’ offices and ending her career at Bolster Heights Residential Care Facility.

She and her husband, Richard, also co-owned Kandi Kraft, located in Auburn, for 19 years. The business offered candy-making and cake-decorating supplies, as well as homemade chocolates and fudge.

In her younger years, Joanna enjoyed spending time at her parents’ camp in Harpswell. Later on in life, she and her husband purchased a camp at Lake Auburn, which provided many years of fun and enjoyment, entertaining family and friends.

Most of us have a hero, and my wife was my hero. She was diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis and through the years, she endured several operations and excruciating pain associated with this debilitating disease, and yet she maintained a positive attitude and never felt sorry for herself.

She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Richard Smith; her four children and grandchildren, Jennifer Munger and husband, Bruce, and their children, Melody Johnson and husband, Mason, and Amanda Munger and husband, Brian Wohl, Jeffrey Smith and wife, Bobbie Jo, Kenneth Smith and wife, Tina, and their daughter, Allissa Smith, Kimberly Martel and husband, Maurice Jr., and their children, Christopher Martel and wife, Victoria, their daughter, Emma, Ashley Martel and Brandon Martel; two brothers, Robert Bishop Jr. and companion, Joanne Valliere, and Bruce Bishop and wife, Dominicana; two sisters, Bonnie Melville and husband, Don, and Wendy Ayotte and husband, Paul; and several nieces and nephews.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Joanna’s family by visiting their online guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

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