Waterbury - Joan L. Smith passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Joan was born August 30, 1931, in Waterbury, and was the daughter of the late Harold and Bernice (Harvey) Hogan. She was a graduate of Wilby High School and lived in Waterbury for most of her life. She was an active member of the Mill Plain Union Church, where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Ladies Guild. Joan was a lover of animals and of nature. She often told the story of being a little girl visiting her grandfathers farm on the weekends where she would wear a pair of mittens, pet the cows, and smell her mittens all week long. As a young woman she could be found riding her horse on one of the many trails throughout northwestern Connecticut. During her retirement years, she was frequently walking through the fields and the woodlands with her hiking group the Valley Vagabonds. Joan loved photography, played the organ and piano, was an avid reader, and enjoyed square dancing. Her green thumb was evidenced by her beautiful flower gardens and her numerous houseplants. Joan had many lifelong friends and will be forever remembered for her caring heart and gentle spirit. Joan was predeceased by her longtime companion, Dr. Richard E. Borchardt of Waterbury. A memorial service celebrating Joans life will be held Saturday, October 31, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at Mill Plain Union Church, 242 Southmayd Rd. Waterbury CT. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joans memory can be made to: Mill Plain Union Church. Services Memorial Service Saturday October 31, 2020 10:00 AM Mill Plain Union Church 242 Southmayd Rd. Waterbury, CT 06705 Cemetery New Pine Grove Cemetery 850 Meriden Rd. Waterbury, CT