Joan C. (Smith) Crowther of Melrose, MA. June 11, 1934 – February 5, 2016. Beloved wife of William D. Crowther with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. A graduate of both St Mary's Parish School and Salem State College, Joan enjoyed a career spanning 25 years as an elementary school teacher in Melrose. Devoted mother of Carole Crowther of Melrose, Kathleen Calabro and her husband David of Andover, MA, John Crowther and his wife Deana (Zizza) of Sandwich, MA, and Edward Crowther and his wife Catherine (Petrunyak) of Bedford, NH. Loving sister of the late Edward Smith and his wife Judith (Putney) of Melrose and Robert Smith and his wife Deborah (Brackett) of Wakefield, MA. Adored grandmother of Kevin, Michelle, Gregory, Michael, William, Katherine, Abigail, Thomas and Claire. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Joan during Visiting Hours at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 from 4-7 PM and again on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 at 9:30 AM before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, 4 Herbert St. in Melrose for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. If you wish, please honor Joan with a contribution to St. Mary's Parish School fund at 4 Herbert St. Melrose, MA 02176.