Joan Mitchell Smith of Bowdoinham, age 87, passed away on March 23, 2026.
Born on September 7, 1938 in Pownal, Maine, Joan was the middle daughter of Edward and Dorothy (Gagnon) Mitchell. Her sisters were Mary Strong and Nancy Malone.She graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in 1956 and went on to Gorham State Teachers College and the University of Maine at Orono, where she received her Masters in Education and Certificate of Advanced Study. Throughout her teaching career, she earned many additional certifications. Her proudest achievement was becoming the first woman in the state of Maine to receive a Superintendent of Schools Certification.
She taught in York, Cape Elizabeth (where she met her favorite student Malcolm), and Lisbon. While in Lisbon, she was the reading supervisor, elementary supervisor, and director of pre-kindergarten screening for the State of Maine. At MSAD 58, Kingfield area, she served as assistant superintendent of schools before going on to become superintendent of Lincolnville schools. She also took on the roles of Executive Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Maine Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
In 1982, she married the love of her life, Rev. Ronald Smith. They spent many happy years riding motorcycles, flying small planes, and traveling around the United States and Canada in various rigs.
After retirement, she worked for many years at Respite Care in Brunswick, volunteered for several organizations, and donated to many charitable causes.
Joan was a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and her “little,” Cynthia Wiley, became part of her family. They celebrated their 40-year anniversary in January.
She is survived by her sister, Nancy Malone (Allen Jr.), and her five nieces and nephews, Neal Strong (Tina), Susan Harrison (Kenny), Mark Strong (Rhonda), David Malone (Cara), Aimee Larrabee (Clifton Jr.), and Deborah Malone, along with their families. She is also survived by the many grandchildren and great grandchildren she gained through her marriage with Ron.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Smith, her parents, Edward and Dorothy Mitchell, and her sister, Mary Strong (Wendell).
Many in the Smith family stayed close after her beloved Ron passed away, including his son, Alan, who always checked in and invited her to family gatherings.
Joan was deeply grateful for Bruce and Pam Ross, her neighbors for years. Bruce helped to maintain her home, and she thought of Pam like a daughter.
Finally, she wished to thank her granddaughter, Stephanie, for moving in and taking care of her so she could stay in her own home.
A service, followed by a reception, will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at the First Parish Church, 9 Cleveland Street, Brunswick, Maine. A private burial will follow at a later date.