Obituary of Joan Smith

Joan F. Smith, 102, of Onondaga Hill, passed away peacefully at Iroquois Nursing Home on November 29, 2022.  Born to John and Maryann Odebralski on June 26, 1920, she was raised in Buffalo, N.Y., where she worked for Ken-Paul Bakery and lived until her retirement in 1982.  Joan then moved to Mahopac and finally, Syracuse, N.Y. to live with her son and his family.

Joan was the life of the party and loved family gatherings-the bigger, the better.  She loved the Great New York State Fair and looked forward to attending 5 or 6 times a year. Her passions were gardening and decorating her home and yard for every season and holiday.  God must have called her just in time to over-decorate heaven for the Christmas season.

Joan’s passing, marks the end of an Odebralski generation.  She was predeceased by all of her siblings and their spouses: Bill (Helen) Odebralski, Jim Odebralski, John (Marion) Odebralski, Ann (Thomas) McCarthy, Sister Mary Restitute, Jean (Valentine) Bolognese, Dorothy Kremblas, Theresa (Leonard) Maruszewski, Maryann (Melvin) Zielinski, and Angeline (Edward) Glosek.

She is survived by her son, Dennis Rodgers, of Syracuse, her grandchildren, Katie (Bill) of Syracuse, Dennis Jr. of Albany, and James of Miami Beach; her great granddaughter Ceili Kuryla, her daughter-in-law, Kathleen, her special friend, Micki Calabria, and over 20 nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022 from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave.  Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 10:15am in Mount Calvary Cemetery: Meet in parking lot at 10am, 800 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd, Cheektowaga, NY 14215.  A memorial mass will be held immediately after at 11am at Queen of Martyrs, 180 George Urban Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14225.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.