Joann Smith, Accomplished Creative Writer
Joann Smith died on July 17, 2026 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. She succumbed to cancer after twenty two year fight and two recurrences, spending her final days in peace. She leaves behind a legacy of bravery, kindness, and artistic accomplishment that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Joann was born on December 28, 1956 in St. Francis Hospital in the Bronx to Frank Smith and Joann (Benjamin) Smith. Growing up in a large family of friends and neighbors on the Grand Concourse, Joann completed her primary and secondary education in the Catholic school system of the Bronx, graduating from the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula on Bedford Park Boulevard. Working her way through college, she obtained her baccalaureate degree in Communications from Iona University (then College), and while in the workforce, graduated with a Master of Science in Education from the College of New Rochelle. Joann then embarked upon a 15 year primary school teacher career, first in the Catholic diocese and then the New York public school system, finishing her career as theater arts specialist.
Throughout her childhood, education, and teaching career, Joann nourished her love of literature and her dream of becoming a creative writer. While working as a primary school teacher, she enrolled in Lehman College to obtain her Masters of Arts in English, where she was mentored by Professor Billy Collins, the future Poet Laureate of the United States, and began her research into Celtic history and Irish literature. Upon her graduation, Joann left her teaching position, enrolled full time in the prestigious Sarah Lawrence College Masters of Fine Arts program. She completed a collection of short stories and published an historical novel of ancient Celtic resistance to the Roman occupation of Britain, When I Was Boudicca. Throughout her writing life, Joann served as an adjunct professor of writing at Sarah Lawrence College and the University of Mount Saint Vincent, the director of the innovative Sarah Lawrence College adult degree program and writing institute, the creative director of the Hudson Valley Writers’ Center, and as editor and writer in the communication department of Iona University. Joann fulfilled her lifelong dream and crowned her career as a writer with the publication of her well-regarded short story collection, A Heaven of the Choosing, published by 7.13 Books in 2021.
After a divorce, Joann married Robert Fanuzzi in 1996, with whom she celebrated 30 years of marriage this year. They began their romance with far flung trips abroad but she always considered their trip to China in 2001 to become the adoptive mother of her daughter, Mia Smith Fanuzzi, as the highlight of her life. Her life as Mia’s mother was filled with joy from day one.
When not writing, Joann devoted volunteer hours to the non-profit organization, Girls Write Now, which assists young women prepare for college. She enjoyed a wide range of hobbies, from fitness to knitting to baking and kayaking. A devoted Rolling Stones fan, Joann found space for The Band and The Kinks as well as Star Trek: Voyager, Murder She Wrote, and many, many British mysteries. She found expression for her lifelong love of nature and her spiritual beliefs in frequent family trips to Wave Hill, the Hudson Valley, and the East End of Long Island.
In addition to Robert and Mia, Joann is survived by siblings Margaret, Frank, Kathleen, and Patricia and 11 nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her older sister Mary. A devoted wife, mother, and aunt, Joann is also cherished by a wide of circle of friends who celebrate the art and life of a remarkable woman.
Memorial Gathering Friday, July 24th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, July 25th at St. Margaret of Cortona Church at 9:45 AM. Committal private.