Joan was born on April 30, 1931 in Eagle, WI to Harvey and Margaret (Schmidt) Smart. She graduated from East Troy High School in 1949. On April 15, 1950 Joan married James McVeigh at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle, WI. Joan and Jim raised their 7 children in Eagle, WI before moving to Palmyra where they lived for 44 years. She enjoyed RV camping, hiking and swimming. Joan was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, James, Whitewater; children Robert (Debbie) McVeigh, Denver, CO, Thomas (Pat Scott) McVeigh, Smithville, MO, James (Linda) McVeigh, Palmyra, Timothy McVeigh, Palmyra, Margaret (David) Fargo, LaCrosse, WI, Daniel McVeigh, Janesville, WI, Richard McVeigh, Fort Atkinson, WI; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow at the Oak Knoll Cemetery, Eagle, WI. Friends may call at the church on Monday, June 3, 2019 from 9:00 am until the time of the service. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Rainbow Hospice, Jefferson, WI.