JoAnn Smith

How does one write a memorial to the greatest woman and person that they have ever known? To my mother, who fought with such courage, strength and perseverance for 8 long tough years. Not once did you complain. Not once did you give up. To say I admire your strength is an understatement. The pain and personal struggles that you endured for those 8 years is something most people cannot comprehend. Two brain surgeries, 4 hip surgeries, chemo, radiation, infusions and countless hospital stays. You always had a smile. Failure was not an option to you and you did not fail. You fought until you couldn’t fight anymore, and I continue to be amazed by that daily. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have been able to take care of you, and share so many moments with you that were so difficult in so many ways but so dear to my heart now. I will forever remember you saying about a week before you passed, “We are such a good team, and if i had to do this with anyone… it would be you.” We were an amazing team. Mother and daughter duo that nobody could come between. You have passed onto me your wisdom, your heart, your love… and I will forever cherish every single second I had with you. You taught everyone around you that attitude is the most important thing in life, and love. We all feel your love now, and I know that your granddaughter you never got to meet is going to have so much of you in her, and I thank you for that. I love you with every single ounce of my being, and not a second goes by that you aren’t on my mind. You are so missed, and so loved. The world is a better place because you were in it, and we only wish you didn’t have to leave. You 4 children will make you proud. Thank you for life, thank you for love, thank you for being our mother. I love you forever and always.