Joan A. Smith, age 82, of Duluth, MN, died on February 25, 2022. Her death brought a peaceful end to a 20 year battle of debilitating pain due to arthritis. Joan was born in Duluth on May 30, 1939 to Emmett and Mildred Thorson. She grew up in Duluth where she met the love of her life, Richard Smith. They were wed in 1962 and raised their own children along with many foster children. She attended Duluth Business University for bookkeeping. She was a bookkeeper at Three Sisters and then worked in food service in the Duluth Public Schools. She was involved in numerous Masonic organizations, the West Duluth Women’s Club, and TOPS Club. She was also an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and fostered children in need for 21 years. She was an amazing baker and loved spending time with family and friends.