To view the livestream Funeral Mass, please go to www. https://www.holyfamilygf.org/

M. Joan Smith , 88, of Grand Forks, ND died Monday, September 27, 2021, in Altru Hospital in Grand Forks following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her children.

Mary Joan (Bushaw) Smith was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Walsh County, N.D., to Mary (Ensch) and J.E. "Ed" Bushaw. She grew up on their farm along the Red River and attended Oslo, Minn., schools. Joan received a bachelor's degree in education from Mayville State University and pursued advanced studies at UND. After teaching one year at a rural school, Joan taught third grade in Larimore, N.D., in Fargo, and then at Roosevelt and Viking schools in Grand Forks.

Joan married Kirk Smith in 1960, and for 61 years they made their home in Grand Forks. Together, Kirk and Joan had three children. They also traveled extensively, enjoyed many civic and cultural activities, and were active members of Holy Family parish. Joan enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, her bridge clubs, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. She was a long-time member and past president of Thursday Music Club, PEO - Chapter T, and Entre Nous, as well as a member of the Grand Forks Legion Auxiliary Executive Board. After leaving the classroom, Joan continued her passion for working with children and served over the years as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, CCD teacher, "Picture Lady"(volunteer arts educator), classroom volunteer, and as a tutor of children with special needs.

Joan is survived by her beloved husband, Kirk, her children Ellen (Joseph Zevola) of New York City, Tom (Kari) of Fargo, and Jim (Dena) of Washington D.C., and grandchildren, Kirk and Mathew Zevola, Miranda and Isabella Smith, and Andrew and Emily Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Maurice E. "Eddie" Bushaw and C.J. "Jake" Bushaw.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joan Smith Scholarship Fund at Holy Family-St. Mary's Catholic School, 1018 18 ^th Avenue South, Grand Forks, ND 58201.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks ND.
Mask wearing is welcome and encouraged.
Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 4, 2021, in Holy Family Catholic Church with 6:30 p.m. recitation of the rosary and 7:00 p.m. vigil service. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Tuesday.
Burial: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.

To view the livestream Funeral Mass, please go to www. https://www.holyfamilygf.org/