Josephine M. Smith

Josephine "Jo" M. Smith (nee Maisto), passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 5, 2016 after a brave battle with cancer. She was 90.

Jo was born on May 9, 1925 in Newark, NJ to father Dominic Maisto and mother Mary Alamia. She grew up in a large, loving family with six brothers and three sisters.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Irving C. "Dick" Smith, owner and President of Smith Motors Cadillac since 1932, formerly located in Elizabeth, NJ. After living in Westfield for over 50 years, she moved to Cumming, GA in July 2015 with her daughter and family.

Jo loved to cook and entertain at her home in Westfield. In the late 70's, Jo and her family would entertain up to 400 people in their backyard. (What a blast we had!!) In addition to cooking, Jo was a talented artist who sculpted many spectacular pieces out of stone.

Jo is survived by her only daughter, M. Tacy Smith-Pecora, son-in-law Martin J. Pecora and her two grandchildren, Hunter and Taylor. In addition, she is survived by children and grandchildren on her husband's side. She is also survived by her brothers Lou, Gilbert, Remo and Mario Maisto; as well as her sisters, Rose Cordasco, Ann Contaldi and Norma Manfredi and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jo's Life Celebration will be Friday, February 12th from 1:00PM-3:00PM and 6:00PM-8:00PM at Gray Funeral Home located at 318 East Broad Street in Westfield. . Jo will be laid to rest beside her husband in Fairview Cemetery in Westfield on Saturday, February 13th following a 10:00AM service officiated by St. Helen's Father Frank Fano at Gray Funeral Home.

The family would especially like to thank Bayada Nurses based out of Westfield, NJ as well as Bayada Nurses based out of Roswell, GA for their excellent work, care and patience over the past year. Also a heartfelt thank you goes to Embracing Hospice and Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming GA as well as Gray's in Westfield.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Jo's name may be made to any of the following organizations that she held near and dear to her heart: American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tabby's Place (A Cat Sanctuary) in Ringoes NJ.