JoAnn Marie Noponen

Jo-Ann (Smith) Noponen of Worcester, MA passed away peacefully into the arms of Lord Jesus Christ after a long battle with multiple health issues on Sunday, 5 October 2025 at the age of 61. Her journey on this Earth was one marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God, by grace. Jo-Ann’s strong faith allowed her to overcome immense health struggles with remarkable grace, a positive attitude, and an ever-present sense of humor, inspiring all who knew and loved her.

Jo-Ann was born on 16 July 1964 in Worcester, daughter of the late Roger W. Smith, Sr. and Edith F. (Whitenett) Smith. After graduating from David Hale Fanning Trade High School, Jo-Ann worked for several years serving clients at the Glavin Regional Center then as a beloved Instructional Assistant at three schools within the Worcester Public School system. At the age of 40, Jo-Ann put her soul and energy into enriching the lives of all those in her wide network of family, neighbors, and friends. Despite significant health issues, Jo-Ann remained incredibly active; people marveled at her resolve to overcome physical setbacks. Jo-Ann will be remembered as a loving, caring individual who always put others before herself; she lived life with unselfish character. Jo-Ann had an absolute heart of gold. Her mere presence would always light up a room. Jo-Ann’s tremendous personality and amazing sense of humor remained strong despite all her challenges.

Those close to Jo-Ann will remember how she used her pool to gather family and friends together for summer parties, including her highly-anticipated annual pool party in celebration of her birthday each July. Whether lounging around the pool during the summer months, playing cards, or at any family occasion, Jo-Ann used every occasion to meaningfully interact with the people she treasured, sometimes with a joke but always with tenacious loving care. Jo-Ann was a loving fighter to the end and will be missed by all who loved her.

Jo-Ann is survived by her husband of thirty years, David Noponen of Worcester, MA, and her beloved cat, Gizmo. She is survived also by her four siblings (and their spouses); Roger W. (Bernadette) Smith, Jr. of Somersworth, NH; David (Kathy) Smith of Worcester, MA; Stephan (Irene) Smith of Athens, AL; and Linda (Rick) Serwicki of Harvest, AL.

Jo-Ann was affectionately known as “Auntie” or “Auntie Auntie” by her large and loving extended family based in Worcester County but extending beyond MA and across the country from NH to IN to NY to AL to TX. Her love enriched the lives of those in her family, including one aunt. (Rita Smith), many cousins, ten nieces and nephews, fourteen great grandnieces and grandnephews, and five great-great grandnieces and grandnephews

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals and caregivers who provided compassionate support over the years, especially the ICU staff at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

A Celebration of Life for Jo-Ann will be held at some later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in her name.