Joan Smith

Joan L. (Karacius) Smith died at home on June 11th after an illness.

The daughter of the late Victor A. and Lois E. (Hopkins) Karacius. She leaves her husband of 50 years Andrew F. Smith, two daughters Ellen H. Frase and her husband Paul of Northbridge, and Elizabeth H. Boucher and her boyfriend Kenneth Delano of Harve de Grace, Maryland, two grandsons Joshua P. and Patrick O. Frase of Northbridge, a brother David V. Karacius and his wife Delia of Sutton, sisters-in-law Barbara L. Smith of York, Maine, Gretel J. Smith of Sutton, Hope E (Smith) Stockhaus and her husband Richard, of Millbury, Donna Karacius of Douglas, a brother-in-law Stephen H. Smith and his wife Kristine of New Lebanon, New York, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Born in Worcester she spent her early years in Millbury and moved to Sutton at the age of 9. She was a graduate of Sutton High School, Burbank Hospital School of Practical Nursing, and St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital retiring in 2001. Joan was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Sutton where she had served as a Deacon and Sunday school Superintendent, and was currently serving on the music committee and was a member of the chime choir. She served for many years as a trustee of the Sutton Public Library and was an avid square dancer with the Sutton Country Squares. Joan was a talented painter and friends and family treasure her painted Christmas ornaments. She was a musician, and enjoyed dancing and traveling. She also loved going to the beach, and she was an avid Red Sox fan.

Joan's calling hours will be held at Mulhane Home for Funerals 45 N. Main St, Millbury on Wednesday, June 15th from 5 to 8 pm.

Her Funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Sutton, 307 Boston Road on Thursday June 16th at 11 am. Burial will follow in Howard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Smith Family Music Fund at the First Congregational Church of Sutton, 307 Boston Road, Sutton, MA 01590.