With joyful hearts we announce that A. Joanne Smith, beloved sister, aunt, godmother, and teacher, passed away peacefully to her heavenly home on December 3, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on January 12, 1930, in Little Falls, MN, Joanne lived a vibrant life filled with love, dedication and laughter. Her faith guided her through every aspect of her life.

Joanne entered the convent of The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Mishawaka, IN in 1948, taking the name of Sister Mary Jacinta. Her teaching ministry included a focus on Art and Art History.  She eventually became head of the Art Department at the University of Saint Francis (then Saint Francis College) in Fort Wayne. She remained there until she retired from the convent in 1973. Her dedication to the Catholic Church and her faith was steadfast.

Joanne married Edwin Smith on September 13, 1975. They spent many happy years together traveling, visiting with family, and buying and selling antiques.

Joanne retired from teaching in the East Allen School District in 1991, though her love of teaching remained. Her care and love for her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews was at the heart of her everyday life.

Joanne will be remembered with love by her sisters, Barbara Renz, Winnifred Bowling, and her brother, Theodore Wittke. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and other family members. Her friends and caregivers at Saint Anne's Retirement Community have the grateful thanks of her family.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Smith; parents Frederick and Susan (Schelling) Wittke; and her siblings, Jerlyn Wittke, Bernard Wittke, Mary Lengel, and James Wittke.

Services for A. Joanne Smith will include a Mass held at 1:00pm Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Saint Anne's Home & Retirement Community Chapel, 1900 Randallia Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the Mass. Committal services will follow the Mass at Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Anne's Retirement Communities (Saint Joseph Hospice Suites).