Obituary of Joan Smith

Joan Lovinia (Nadeau) Smith November 19, 1928 - September 12, 2014 Joan Lovinia (Nadeau) Smith was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 19, 1928. She was one of eleven children born from the union of the late John Richards and Sophia (Wojtkowiak) Richards. Joan and her husband resided in Newport where they raised thier family. Joan was a loving, caring and thoughtful woman giving to anyone in need. More than anything, she loved and cherished time spent with her family always making sure they were tended to. Joan was a God fearing woman who received her spiritual nourishment as a member of St. Charles Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Brest Bay Rod and Gun Club and The Bunko Club. Joan was a hard worker and appreciated the outdoors. She enjoyed gardening and canning her harvest. In her quiet time she liked to sit on her swing. Joan Lovinia (Nadeau) Smith, age 85, of Newport passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2014 surrounded by her family. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her first husband: Kenneth J. Nadeau; her second husband: Earl Smith; a brother: Ronald Richards from East Jorden; a brother in law: Richard Gale of Monroe; and a great grandson: Ethan Prill. To cherish her memory she leaves her eight children: Dale (Pam) Nadeau , Sandra (Rodney) Moore, Roland (Sheryl) Nadeau, Katherine (Daniel) Graves, Shelley (Ted) Morgan, Paula Nadeau, Carol (John) Heinzerling and Kenny (Laura) Nadeau; one aunt: Clara Janik; three brothers: Jerry(Marge) Richards, Gene (Rosemary) Richards and Raymond (Marie) Richards; six sisters: Jackie Gale Richards, Loretta (Cass) Momuska, Marge (Bob) Newell and Sara (Joe) Pienta, Gloria (Delwin) Morris and Carol Zeitler; thirteen grandchildren: Ryan, Tina (Kevin), Tanya (Josh), Brian (Jenny), Jason (Shannon), Jeremy (Nicole), Todd, Scott, Shane (Tori), Derek (Loren), Jonathon (Robin), Nikki (Brandon) and Jessica; and twenty three great- grandchildren. Family and Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Rosary will be held at 7:00pm on Sunday, September 14, 2014 also at Merkle's. Joan will Lie in State at 9:00am until the Mass of Resurrection at 10:00am on Monday, September 15, 2014 at St. Charles Catholic Church 8125 Swan Creek Road in Newport with Father Victor Roman officiating. Procession will follow to St Charles Cemetery. Family would like to give a special Thanks to Great Lake Caring Hospice and Fountain View of Monroe. Online guests may leave words of inspiration, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; selecting the Online Tributes page.