Ms. Joan Johnson

Ms. Joan (Smegal) Johnson, 79, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021, surrounded by her family. Born in Pittsfield on, March 19, 1942, the daughter of the late Joseph S. and Alice (French) Smegal, she was a 1959 graduate of Saint Joseph’s High School. Joan retired after 50 years from the Berkshire Athenaeum as Assistant to the Librarian. Joan also worked for many years at the neighborhood pub in Lanesboro, with owners and close friends, Joe and Helen Reilly. Joan loved spending time with her family and enjoyed celebrating holiday traditions, many of which she hosted at her home. Throughout her life she made many friends whom she considered family, including her dear friend, Gloria Roark. Joan enjoyed crocheting, playing pitch, attending casino trips with her family and friends, and solving crossword puzzles. Her memory will live on through all those who were blessed to have known her. Joan is survived by her sons David Johnson, his wife, Kim, and their children Benjamin, Adam and Haley, of Averill Park, NY; Mark Johnson and his son, Garrett, of Dalton; Scott Johnson, his wife, Cecilia, of Pittsfield, and Scott’s sons Shane and Derek Johnson. Joan is also survived by her siblings Patricia (Smegal) and Ronald Bordeau of Pittsfield; Bruce and Brenda Smegal of Stephentown, NY; Cynthia (Smegal) and Patrick Pepper of Lumberton, NJ; Barbara (Smegal) and John VanDyke of Lakeville, MN; and JoAnne (Smegal) and Rob Christman of Falmouth, ME. Joan also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and cousins. Joan was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph P.and Paul S. Smegal, and her nephew Paul J. Smegal, all formerly of Pittsfield. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Joan will be Saturday, December 18, 2021 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 am at Sacred Heart Church, 191 Elm Street, Pittsfield MA., 01201, celebrated by the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, Pastor Emeritus of St. Charles Church, and concelebrated by her cousin, the Rev. John Smegal. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery will be private. Calling hours will be held Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street, Pittsfield, MA., 01201. Due to the recent rise in Covid cases, to best ensure everybody's health, all who attend these services will be required to wear face masks. Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Berkshire Medical Center’s Step Down Unit or Berkshire Medical Center’s Progressive Care Unit for their outstanding care and compassion during this difficult time, in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 220 East Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Ms. Joan Johnson

March 19, 1942 - December 12, 2021