JoAnna Smith

She was born April 3, 1931 in Cherry Creek, NY, to Grayson and Burnadette (Kilpatrick) Dow.

She joins her parents; daughter Kathleen Smith; and siblings William and Gorden Dow, Virginia Storey and Martha Wheeler.

JoAnna graduated from Salamanca High School and was employed by Westinghouse for 10 years.

At that point she decided to return to school at the age of 45. It was a decision she never regretted. She attended Erie Community College for respiratory therapy and Mercy Hospital for nursing, receiving her certificate in Fredonia.

She was an avid reader, but poetry was her first love. JoAnna had her first poem published in “Young America Sings” and wrote for the program “Silver Lining” on WGR radio. Another poem was printed in “Radio Mirror Magazine” and read on radio’s “Hymns of All Churches.”

She was employed at Mercy, Tri-County and Lake Shore hospitals.

At Lake Shore, she was director of the respiratory therapy department, president of the auxiliary board and chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, she established the first color televisions in patients’ rooms, a hospitality cart and a high-tech blood gas analysis machine.

As president, she chaired the board to establish the gift shop, a beauty shop, rest station for employees and modern snack machines.

Because of her dedication and hard work as director, she was selected to be the respiratory therapist for the Buffalo Bills. This was an experience and thrill for JoAnna as she was an avid and loyal fan.

She was a volunteer for the Diabetic Association doing screenings at the Hamburg Fairgrounds for the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association.

JoAnna retired from New York State DDSO in 1996.

Loving mother of three sons, Christopher, Lynn (Cindy) and Pastor Melvin (Linda) Smith; grandmother to Rachel Herrington, Dana, Molly, Gracie and Lisa Smith; survived by her beloved cats, Ashley and Sassy; also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may visit DiStasio-Hills Funeral Chapel, 478 Route 83 at Balcom Corners, South Dayton, Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., where a funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m.

Interment will be in Cherry Creek Central Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the Cherry Creek Central Cemetery Commission, P.O. Box 215, Cherry Creek, NY 14723.

Online condolences may be made at hills funeralchapel.com.