Joan Paula Smith Haynes

Joan Smith Haynes, 82, passed away on August 6, 2024, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She was born on August 8, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA. She lived in Dallas, Texas, Longmeadow, MA, New York City, and then settled in Madison, CT, for over two decades until she moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, in 2016.

 Joan lived a vibrant life, raising her children, volunteering, and working as a Real Estate Agent and Broker in Dallas, Texas; Longmeadow, Massachusetts; and Madison, Connecticut. She also worked as an event planner in New York City. Joan was a consummate hostess, especially on holidays, and enjoyed gardening and playing paddle tennis in Longmeadow and tennis throughout her life. Her years in Madison were graced by time well spent with friends on the tennis court and at the beach of the Madison Beach Club, where she watched her granddaughters sail and play tennis. "Nana" was passionate about her family, full of advice, and grateful for opportunities to attend her six granddaughters' dance, violin, and piano recitals and all events to which she was invited.

 Joan's years in Ponte Vedra Beach were blessed by new friends she met at Christ Episcopal Church and Sawgrass Country Club. She played tennis, enjoyed walks on the beach, was an expert at finding shark's teeth, and met regularly to play Mahjong, Bridge, and Canasta. She was lucky to have found love for a second time and, in 2021, married Walter Haynes of Ponte Vedra Beach. Together, they explored local restaurants and set off on cruises throughout New England, Iceland, and along the Mississippi River. 

Joan was pre-deceased by her beloved son, Christopher. She is survived by her husband, Walter Haynes; brother, John Michaels (Carole); daughter, Polly Bauer (Chris); six granddaughters, Caroline, Elizabeth, and Alexandra Bauer; and Ella, Annabelle, and Lila Smith.

 A service to celebrate her life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, at 11 am on August 27, 2024.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan Smith's memory may be made to Ackerman Cancer Foundation of Jacksonville, Florida: ackermancancerfoundation.org