Glendale-born and lifelong resident Joan Johnson Smith passed away on Jan. 25 at the age of 84 with family at her side. She was the daughter of Homer and May Johnson, owners of the Johnson Music Company in Glendale from 1932-1969.

Joan attended Columbus Elementary School, Toll Junior High School and Hoover High School. In 1956, she graduated from UCLA where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Following graduation, she worked for 10 years as a home economics teacher for Los Angeles City schools. She remained active with her sorority alumnae and Kappa Omicron Nu, a home economics honorary, until her passing.

She loved traveling, and international trips to Switzerland, Japan and South Africa were among her favorites. She was particularly proud of her Norwegian heritage and most cherished her family trip to Norway to experience the land of her ancestors.

She will always be remembered for her gifts of hospitality and entertaining, her home-cooked meals and pies made from scratch, and her love of beautiful flowers that she grew year-round and regularly shared with friends and family.

Joan is survived by her husband of 60 years, Raymond; daughters Lori Smith and Cathy Holmes; son-in-law Tobin Holmes; and granddaughter Cora Holmes, whom she considered a very special gift.

At her request, a family-only graveside service in celebration of her life was held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on Feb. 2.

Funeral directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com