Obituary of Joyce Marie Smith

Joyce Marie Fornari Smith, age 67 of Hillsborough, passed away peacefully in her home on Dec. 23, 2018. 

Marie was born in Indiana, the daughter of the late Chester and Evelyn Fornari of Elwood, Illinois. She was educated in Hammond, Indiana and attended Indiana University.

Marie had an active and varied career beginning as an activity director in skilled nursing facilities in Oakland, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico. She worked as a recreation therapist in Atlanta and at Charles House in Chapel Hill where she was one of their first therapists. For a time Marie operated a Waldorf inspired preschool in her home in Orange County and also worked as a substitute teacher at Cedar Ridge High School in Hillsborough. Marie’s passion was art, especially fiber art which she crafted beautifully. Her art was displayed and sold at the Hillsborough Arts Council Gift Shop, which Marie helped found while serving on the board of the Arts Council. In addition to her artwork, Marie also enjoyed writing poetry and long walks in nature. Most importantly Marie was a loving wife, mother, sister, and kind friend to many, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her infectious smile and joy for life touched the hearts of everyone around her.

Marie is survived by her husband of 41 years, Stephen Smith of Hillsborough; two sons, Raphael (Sarah) of Chapel Hill, and Gabriel of Hillsborough; three brothers, John Fornari of Portage, Indiana, Chet Fornari (Paula) of Greencastle, Indiana, Patrick Fornari (Dana) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; eight nieces; three nephews; and many great nieces and great nephews. 

A Celebration of Life for Marie will be held at Union Grove United Methodist Church in Hillsborough on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Marie’s memory to Unbound, 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103, or online at https://www.unbound.org/OurImpact/TargetDonations. Gifts to Unbound are for the future college education of her sponsored child, Anabel from Bolivia. Please include “In Memory of Marie Smith” on the memo line.

Online guest register at www.walkersfuneralhomemebane.com Walker's Funeral Home and Crematory of Mebane is entrusted with caring for the Smith family.