Joan Straub Smith, 97, St. Marys

Joan Straub Smith, 97, of 191 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 19, 2026 at her residence, where she was able to stay due to the loving care of Robyn Bayer, Jackie El-Awar, and Amanda McCathy her caregivers for her last few years.

She was born December 13, 1928, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Peter P. and Irene Fritz Straub. Joan was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1946, a 1950 graduate of Lock Haven Teachers College, and completed graduate courses at Penn State University, University of Georgia, and Intermediate Unit #9.

On September 15, 1951, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Joan married the late Roger J. Smith, who preceded her in death on September 22, 2007, just after their 57th wedding anniversary.

Joan was employed by the Augusta, GA, Society for Crippled Children as a speech therapist for a school for handicapped children in 1950. Returning to St. Marys, she was employed by Dr. Blackwell, Director of Special Education of Elk and Clearfield Counties, for a speech clinic held Saturday mornings with the Community Nurses in St. Marys. In 1957, she was hired by the Elk County Society for Crippled Children and Adults as a speech therapist, and in 1965, was appointed Director/Speech Therapist of a preschool operated by the society. She served on the Professional Advisory Board for the Community Nurses from 1962 until 2004.

Joan was President of Mothers, Fathers, and Friends Association of Elk Catholic Association and a member of the school board. As a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Joan served as Eucharistic Minister for daily Mass, to the terminally ill, and to the homebound. She was a member of the Adult and Resurrection Choirs. She served as Chairperson of the Care and Concern Committee and initiated the “Card-a-Month” Group and Christmas Caroling to the homebound of the parish. She served as Den Mother for many years for Cub Pack 99. Joan was a past president and secretary for the St. Marys and Benzinger Historical Society and was a driving force for publicity for the Bavarian Hills Golf Course. Joan was also a member of the Elk County Footlighters.

Joan is survived by her children: Victor Smith (Kathel) of Ithaca, NY, Judith McDonough (Mark) of San Diego, CA, Gail Smith of Gloucester, MA, Tony Smith (Laarnie) of Costa Mesa, CA, Vincent Smith of Waxahachie, TX, Guy Smith of Philadelphia, Roger Smith of St. Marys, Greg Smith (Andrea) of St. Marys, Ivan Smith (Paula) of St. Marys, and Tim Smith (Pam) of St. Marys; twenty grandchildren: Travis Lesser, Christian and Joseph McDonough, Rose and Peter Chisholm, Brianna, Elijah, Roger, Jason, Sam, Paige, Astrid, Jairus, Gabriel, Andrew, Marcy (Muriceak), Alex, Maddix Smith and Keaton Copley; 9 great-grandchildren: 5 great-great grandchildren; two brothers: Victor Straub and John Straub (Sylvia), both of St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Irene “Dee Dee” Straub; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Joan was preceded in death by three brothers: Peter, Jerome, and Herbert Straub; five sisters: Mary Grace Simbeck, Carol Williams, Elizabeth “Betty” Bosnik, Irene “Blondie” Taylor, and in infancy, Mary Straub; and by her step-mother, Mary Blumle Straub.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:00AM, celebrated by her Godson, Rev. Paul Taylor, O.S.B. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 4:00PM until 6:00PM.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Catholic School System, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; Penn Highlands Community Nurses Hospice, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857; or to a favorite charity of one’s choosing.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.