Joan Smith

JOAN ROSINA SMITH Joan passed away on January 20, 2017 in Chico at the age of 94. Joan was born in North Weald Essex, England on June 25, 1922 to Walter and Ruby Savage. At the beginning of the war Joan joined the British Red Cross and worked at a Hospital in Epping, followed by the Royal Medical Corp. where she worked in military hospitals around London, then towards the end of the war she joined the Royal Air Force where she became a driver in the motor transport. Joan met U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ralph Peacher while he was serving in England. After they were married a year later, Joan came over on the Queen Mary to her new home in Chico. Joan became the first war bride to move to Chico. In 1951 Joan became a proud U.S. Citizen, and voted for the first time the following year. Joan graduated from Nursing School in 1960. Joan went to work at Enloe Hospital, where she worked as an LVN for 23 years. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, quilting, crocheting and knitting. Joan was active in her church, Prime Timers at CSUC, volunteer work at the Oroville Hospital Auxiliary and The Attic. Joan had three sons, Richard, Robert and Roger. Joan is survived by son Richard and wife Susan of Klamath Falls, Oregon, son Roger and wife Patricia of Yerington, Nevada, daughter-in-law Nickie of Vina, California, grandchildren Traci Stumbaugh, Matthew, Randy and Michael Peacher, great -grandchildren Wiley and Weston Stumbaugh, three brothers in England: Alex, John and Peter Savage, as well as several nieces and nephews and cousins, also of England. Joan was preceded by her son Robert R. Peacher and husbands Ralph R. Peacher, Walter J. Wayes and Max E. Smith. Arrangements for a memorial service will be scheduled later. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to United Methodist Church in Oroville, or the Butte Home Health & Hospice in Chico