Obituary of Joan James Pollard Smith-Vaniz

Joan James Pollard Smith-Vaniz, a resident of Stamford and a former longtime resident of Darien, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Edgehill Health Center in Stamford. Born on April 7, 1925 in Leominster, MA, she was the daughter of the late Reginald Flint and Ruth Mildred James Pollard. She was 90 years of age. Mrs. Smith-Vaniz graduated from high school in Wareham, MA in 1943. She received a BA degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in 1949 and a degree as a library assistant from Norwalk Community College in 1979. She worked for the Boston, MA public library and the Fairfield, CT public library. She also volunteered with the Darien Red Cross Blood Drive for 35 years, Planned Parenthood and Person-to-Person. She was also president of the Women's Auxiliary at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, a member of their choir and on the Vestry Outreach committee. Joan is survived by her husband, William Reid Smith-Vaniz, Jr.; four children, Alison Smith-Vaniz of San Diego, CA; William Reid Smith-Vaniz III, of Sudbury, MA; Thomas James Smith-Vaniz of Rodez, France; Jane Elizabeth Smith-Vaniz of Litchfield, CT and five grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Richard James Pollard of New Jersey. She is predeceased by two brothers, Alan Pollard and Roger Pollard. A Service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 2:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1964 Post Road Darien. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Person-to-Person, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820