Johanna Peck Smith

GREEN ISLAND, NY – Johanna Peck (Rudd) Smith, 78, died peacefully on July 9, 2007 after a brief illness at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's, with her family at her side. Born on January 14, 1929 in Albany, NY, Johanna graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy, NY. Johanna was an accomplished artist, known for her works in acrylic and ink. She was an active member of Church of the Good Shepherd in Green Island. Her interests included all things in nature. In earlier years, Johanna enjoyed the sport of golf, as well as spending many summers with her children at Kelm Lake in Warrensburg, NY. As a child, Johanna enjoyed summers at her grandparents camp on Ballston Lake, swimming across the lake at age four. Shortly before the time of her death, Johanna was employed full time at New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, where she retired after many years of service. She was predeceased by her parents Dr. Harold and Anna Peck, Lawrence C. Van Epps, one son Gregory Richard Rudd and daughter-in-law Marianne Rudd. Surviving are her children, Johanna DeGerlia McWaters (David) of Wheatridge, CO, Christopher Peck Rudd of Denver, CO, Nancy Ellen Rudd (Susan) of East Greenbush, NY and Leslie Ann Sloss (Joseph) of Thornton, CO. She is the sister of William VanEpps of Lansingburg, NY. Also surviving are six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, her very dear friends, Richard Waldron, Linda Connell-Norton, Toni Montuori, Shirley Hannah, Carol Elmendorf and Marcia Oliveri. Johanna's family extends a very special thanks to hospice Chaplin Leon Duke, Ruta Kirstein, R.N. and Jill Bassett, R.N. who gave our mother a great sense of comfort during her last hour at the Hospice Inn. Special thanks to Pastor Ken Scott and other members of the Church of the Good Shepherd who spent many hours with our family during a most difficult time. Mom also wants her dear friends to know how much she loved you. Your support and love meant the world to her. You have all been a special part of her journey.
Funeral services will be Friday morning at 10:00 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 89 Hudson Ave., Green Island. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Leukemia Society of one's choice or the Friends of Animals in memory of Johanna Peck Smith. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerFamily.com