Obituary for A. Joan Smith-Walleck

Joan Smith-Walleck was born in Pittsburgh, PA and died on August 15th.
Professionally, Joan worked as a nurse in several capacities throughout her career, caring for others was one of her many strengths. During her career Joan worked a public-school nurse, a Vision Quest wagon train nurse, a Red Cross disaster services nurse, and a visiting nurse.
When not working she enjoyed camping, hiking, and leading nature walks pointing out flowers and mushrooms. She shared her love of art and nature with many. Joan touched many peoples' lives in many different ways.
Painting porcelain was her passion. Her training included local teachers and renown porcelain painters in Europe. Her work focused on botanical paintings of flowers, fruits and vegetables, and her personal favorite, mushrooms. Most works are labeled in calligraphy with its Latin designation. Joan spent hours in her art studio happily painting and listening to classical music. Her artwork was displayed in numerous shows, including several solo exhibitions. In her late 70's, she was appointed to a position of artist in residence at Weir Farms National Park, CT.
Her parents were Thomas Smith and Eleanor Rohrberg. After graduating from Shadyside nursing school, she married Donald Kruper. Together they raised four children; Martha Kruper Straw, Thomas Kruper (wife Melinda), Curtis Kruper, and Jeffrey Kruper, who preceded his parents. Later she married Robert Walleck, adding Jeffery Walleck (wife Astrid), Scott Walleck (wife Kelly), and Keith Walleck who preceded her. Many other loving family members will remember her fondly.
Grandchildren include Billy Straw (wife Alex), Madeline Kruper, Timothy Kruper, Johanne Walleck Hurson (husband Douglas), Kirsten Walleck, Timothy Walleck, and Alex Walleck. Anders Walleck preceded her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 22 at 10:00 am at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ ) or Possible, a healthcare non-profit helping underserved in Nepal started by her second cousin and his wife (https://possiblehealth.org/donate/ ).