Joan S. Spencer

WOLCOTT/GREENSBORO: Joan S. Spencer passed away peacefully, on July 12th, 2026, with family by her side at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vt.

Joan was born on August 9, 1952, in Hardwick, one of seven children, born to William L. Pilbin II and Claire E. Randall.

She graduated from Hardwick Academy and went on to graduate from Dior's School of Cosmetology in 1971.

Joan married Douglas L. Smith of Walden in 1971.  They had two children.

In 2006, she married Richard A. Spencer, Sr., of St. Johnsbury, her longtime companion, and the love of her life.

Joan was a member of the American Legion Post 58 in St. Johnsbury, the VFW Auxiliary Post 10038 in Lyndonville, and the Moose Lodge 1544 of Merritt Island, FL.

Joan enjoyed traveling with Richard in their RV, crocheting, cooking and of course an occasional trip to the casino. Her biggest joy in life was her family. She was always there for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for whatever they needed and loved every moment. She created special relationships and lasting memories with them all. She also dearly loved her sisters and brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins and did her best to keep up with them all.

Joan was predeceased by her loving husband, her mother, father, stepmother, and her brother Gary Pillbin. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Bird of Wolcott, her son, Douglas Smith Jr., of Hyde Park; 4 grandchildren, Brittany Bird of Wolcott, Miranda Knapp and her husband Dakota Knapp of Hardwick, Brandon Bird of Wolcott and Alexie Smith of North Carolina; 2 great-grandchildren: Juniper Knapp and Autumn Knapp of Hardwick; 3 sisters, Sheryll Cabot, Bette LeBlanc and husband Marcel LeBlanc, Leslie Dickerson, and 2 brothers, James Pilbin and his wife Darlene, Bill Pilbin lll, and sister-in-law Jackie Pilbin.

All services will be private at the convenience of her family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Lamoille Area Cancer Network, P.O. Box 828, Morrisville, Vt. 05661.

Northern Vermont Funeral Service, under the direction of Dian Holcomb, will be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com