Joan J. Armitage-Smith, 85, of LaGrange passed away on April 19, 2009. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 1, 1924 to the late James and Mary McCawley, Joan relocated to Ohio in 1945. Joan was a teacher in the Keystone Local School District for 30 years. In the beginning years of her career she and her friend, Harriet Wise, established a private kindergarten. She remained impassioned and enthusiastic about children's education for the duration of her life. Upon retirement Joan spent her winters in West Palm Beach, Florida. She and her husband enjoyed walking along the beaches during the early morning hours. Her hobbies included gardening, water aerobics, bowling and crafts. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Joan is survived by Nancy (David) Fisher of Wellington, William (Rebecca) Armitage of Penfield, Lyle (Janet) Smith of Pennsylvania and Susan (William) Buga of Elyria. She was also blessed with ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her son, James Joseph Armitage, her husband, Sherman Lyle Smith and three sisters, Harriet, Betty and Joyce. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday April 21, from 6-8 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street, Wellington. In addition, a second visiting hour will be held on April 22, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at River Road Cemetery on Indian Hollow Road. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the HFCC Foundation, Jim Armitage Memorial Scholarship, 5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1495.