Joan S. Broderick - Obituary

oan (Joanie) S. Broderick, 84, who spent most of her life in Colton’s Point and later moved to North Beach, MD, died of natural causes on December 1, 2021 at the Gilchrist Hospice in Columbia, MD. Joan Carol Smithson was born November 1, 1937 in Washington DC. She was stricken with polio as a baby but never let that keep her from living a full life for 84 years. Joan attended different schools as her family relocated several times. She finished up her education at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) in Fisherville, VA where she received her high school diploma. Joan worked for the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) for many years until she retired. At HEW, Joan met and fell in love with John T. Broderick, Jr. They were married in 1977. Initially, they lived in West River, MD and later moved to Colton’s Point where they lived next door to Joan’s mother, Ethel, on St Patrick’s Creek. They thoroughly enjoyed life on the water and entertained friends and family, especially on Father’s Day and St Patrick’s Day. Joan had many hobbies: drawing, painting, cake decorating, ceramics and helping people. She especially loved dogs and had many, even up until her last days. She used her computer to assist people in finding their lost animals. She also loved people and made friends easily. She captivated them with her smile, sense of humor, and the way she put them at ease. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, who was the love of her life; her son, Mark; daughter-in-law, Elissa; John’s son, Lowell, and a great-grandson, Tommy. She is survived by John’s other three sons, Steven, Edmund, and Leigh; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her brother, John; sisters, Ann and Mary and their many children and grandchildren; and Elissa’s son, Scott and his son and daughter. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joan's life on Friday, December 10 from 10 am until her funeral service begins at 11:30 am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanie’s memory to the Calvert Animal Welfare League, Southern Maryland Spay & Neuter, or the animal rescue of your choice. An online guestbook is available by visiting the memories link on this page.