Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-27

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOANN SMITH

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On 2026-07-27, Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOANN SMITH" in the House.

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOANN SMITH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E747] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOANN SMITH ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Monday, July 27, 2026 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable Bronxite, educator, writer, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Joann Smith. Joann passed away on July 17, 2026, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, following a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy defined not by her illness, but by her bravery, her kindness, her creativity, and her love for others. Born in the Bronx in 1956, Joann grew up on the Grand Concourse and was educated in the Bronx Catholic school system. She went on to earn degrees from Iona College, the College of New Rochelle, and Lehman College before pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at Sarah Lawrence College. Joann spent fifteen years as an educator, teaching in both Catholic and New York City public schools. She later devoted her life to writing, teaching aspiring writers, and expanding access to education. She served as a professor, program director, creative director, editor, and mentor. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a published author, writing the historical novel When I Was Boudicca and, and in 2021, she published her acclaimed short story collection, A Heaven of the Choosing. But Joann's greatest joy was her family. She and her husband, Robert Fanuzzi, celebrated thirty years of marriage this year. And in 2001, Joann and Robert traveled to China to adopt their daughter, Mia--a journey Joann considered the highlight of her life. Joann also gave generously to others, volunteering with Girls Write Now to help young women prepare for college and find their voices. The Bronx mourns with Robert, Mia, her siblings, nieces and nephews, and her many friends. Joann's life was a testament to the power of courage, education, art, and love. Her stories will endure. Her students will carry her lessons forward. And all who knew her will carry her memory in their hearts. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Joann Smith. May she rest in peace. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOANN SMITH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E747] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOANN SMITH ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Monday, July 27, 2026 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable Bronxite, educator, writer, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Joann Smith. Joann passed away on July 17, 2026, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, following a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy defined not by her illness, but by her bravery, her kindness, her creativity, and her love for others. Born in the Bronx in 1956, Joann grew up on the Grand Concourse and was educated in the Bronx Catholic school system. She went on to earn degrees from Iona College, the College of New Rochelle, and Lehman College before pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at Sarah Lawrence College. Joann spent fifteen years as an educator, teaching in both Catholic and New York City public schools. She later devoted her life to writing, teaching aspiring writers, and expanding access to education. She served as a professor, program director, creative director, editor, and mentor. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a published author, writing the historical novel When I Was Boudicca and, and in 2021, she published her acclaimed short story collection, A Heaven of the Choosing. But Joann's greatest joy was her family. She and her husband, Robert Fanuzzi, celebrated thirty years of marriage this year. And in 2001, Joann and Robert traveled to China to adopt their daughter, Mia--a journey Joann considered the highlight of her life. Joann also gave generously to others, volunteering with Girls Write Now to help young women prepare for college and find their voices. The Bronx mourns with Robert, Mia, her siblings, nieces and nephews, and her many friends. Joann's life was a testament to the power of courage, education, art, and love. Her stories will endure. Her students will carry her lessons forward. And all who knew her will carry her memory in their hearts. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Joann Smith. May she rest in peace. ____________________