Joanne Rizzo Smith

Joanne Rizzo Smith, age 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, after a brief battle with lymphoma, in hospice care at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana. 

Born on February 8, 1934, in Monroe, Joanne was renowned for her talents as a seamstress, her dry wit, and her love for family. Everyone cherished her delicious home-cooked meals, lightest of cakes and other baked goods. Family gatherings around the table were a special tradition, where food symbolized love.

Joanne approached life with passion and confidence, known for her boundless energy which her children often likened to the "Energizer bunny." Standing at just 4 foot 11 inches, she was a force of nature, demonstrating resilience, determination, and conviction in everything she did. Her strength belied her small stature, often outpacing her family with her stamina. She was usually the last one to quit at the end of a long day, her tireless diligence a testament to her indomitable spirit. 

A woman of strong opinions, Joanne never hesitated to share her views, and always held herself and others to high moral standards, grounded in her Catholic faith and deep personal integrity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering principles.

Joanne was married to Carl Denman Smith for 59 years. He was the love of her life. Until his passing in 2013, Carl often recounted how he 'knew he wanted to marry her' the moment he saw her on their double date—even though they were with other people that evening in New Orleans while attending Tulane University and Sophie Newcomb College. They were married at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Monroe on Dec. 22, 1954. 

A dedicated homemaker, Joanne devoted herself to raising her four children. Later, she joined Carl in running their family-owned fabric store, Famous Fabrics, in her hometown. Her love for sewing and eye for detail—paired with her outgoing personality—made her an invaluable asset to the business. In recent years, she spent countless hours creating beautifully designed quilts for family members and prayer blankets that she donated to Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. She consistently showed her affection for her children and grandchildren, expressing her love in quiet but meaningful ways, always providing a sense of comfort and support.

Joanne was the second-born child of Dr. Frank P. Rizzo, Sr., a physician and surgeon, and his wife, Gussie Zagone Rizzo, of Monroe. Their commitment to strong family values was instilled in her, and she carried her parents’ legacy with grace after returning to her hometown in the mid-1980s, following years spent raising her family in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Lubbock, Texas. She was a 1952 graduate of Neville High School in Monroe, and completed her bachelor’s degree in 1967 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Joanne loved staying active, hiking with her children on Pinnacle Mountain in Little Rock in earlier years and walking her Sheltie dogs in her north Monroe neighborhood. She walked her latest, Beau, several miles each day, until just a few months before her passing. She was also a league bowler in her younger days, with a high personal score. She and Carl played contract bridge for many years. She was a committed and vocal Dallas Cowboys fan and fished the lakes of Arkansas and D'arbonne with her husband for decades. In addition to her beloved Sheltie, she doted on her first-ever pet cat, Bella, surprising even herself.

Joanne was predeceased by her husband, Carl Denman Smith (Dec. 26, 2013), her parents Dr. Frank and Gussie Rizzo, and her brother, Dr. Frank Rizzo, Jr. She is survived by her sister Mary Agnes “Maggie” (Ralph) Sewell; her children Vicki Smith, Kevin Smith, Karen Bergh, and David Smith; nieces Rebecca Moore, Lauree White, Lisa Campbell, nephew Chris Rizzo; nephews Alfy Gallagher, Patrick Gallagher; great nephews Paul, Matthew, and Patrick Gallagher, Stoddard Schlueter, and great niece Sarah Gallagher Deel. She will be missed by her grandchildren Jordan Smith, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Christina Smith, Michael Smith, Justin Bergh, and Katherine Bergh. She leaves behind five great grandchildren.

In accordance with Joanne’s wishes, she will be cremated. No formal funeral service will be held. The family invites those who knew her to celebrate her life in their own personal way. A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff at St. Francis Medical Center, and those in the medical community who assisted the family with Joanne’s end-of-life care.