Joan Jermaine Smith

Joan J. Smith, 90, of Albion, NE passed away Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albion, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE with Fr. Matt Gutowski officiating. Burial will follow at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Albion, NE. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Joan Jermaine Smith, daughter of Duane "Shorty" and Nina Mae (Fleek) Lough was born April 19, 1934, in Loretto, NE. She attended District #72 in Loretto, NE before going to Albion High School where she graduated with the class of 1951.

On December 31, 1951, Joan was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Milton John Smith at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE. From this union Joan was blessed with six children: Lonnie, Susan, Terri, Dan, Jill, and Jane. The couple raised their children in the Loretto and Albion area. Joan was a waitress at the Dew Drop Inn, cooked for Albion High School for 17 years, and opened the fitness center every morning at 4:30 a.m. However, her most rewarding role was being a mother and wife.

Joan was a longtime member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church. Joan was involved in community by volunteering, singing in choir, attending dance clubs, and craft clubs. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, getting driven around by John, shopping, and cooking.

Joan is survived by her five children: Lonnie (Dawn) Smith of Albion, NE; Terri (Bob) Schmitz of Albion, NE; Dan (Joni) Smith of Central City, NE; Jill (Tim) Zoucha of Loretto, NE; Jane (Barry) Wallin of Newman Grove, NE; son-in-law" Harold "Skip" Hetherington of Lincoln, NE; 19 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; half brother-in-law: Brian (Pam) Becklun of Elgin, NE; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother: LaVerne Lough husband: John Smith in 2023; daughter: Sue Hetherington; son-in-law: Norman Henn; daughter-in-law: Kimberlie Smith; brother: Vyron (Connie) Lough; Delwyn (Jean) Lough; sister: Nina Lee (Darrell) Meyer; brother-in-law: Robert E. (Marie) Smith; stepsister-in-law: Joan Becklun Pasek; stepbrother-in-law: John J. Becklun; and half-brother-in-law: Milton Thiem.