Joyce Smith

Joyce Bendas Smith, born in Mt. Kisco, NY on December 17, 1960.  The daughter of Doris and William Bendas left us on July 6, 2021, after two years of courageous battle with a serious medical condition.  She attended Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, NY and graduated in Sociology with honors from the University of New Orleans.
She and business partner Terri Antholsdner managed Artemis Mather's decorative flower business for several years before Joyce joined her husband, Craig, as co-owner and manager of their successful painting company.  Joyce enjoyed and took pride in being a successful woman in a male-dominated profession.
Joyce loved to travel.  She and her husband made many journeys to far flung and exotic locales in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.  This honed her sophistication and worldliness.  Most memorable was their long adventure in Turkey.  They enjoyed climbing volcanoes in Italy and residing in a Borghese Palazzo in Venice along with great friend Charles Walton.  Joyce lived and worked in Paris and other parts of France on several occasions.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Craig Smith, mother Doris Bendas, brother Gary Bendas and sister Debbie Gatto, along with nieces and nephews.  Numerous friends will always remember her legacy of humor, laughter, and mutual devotion to her husband Craig.  Joyce will live on in the hearts and thoughts of many residents and friends known through her work in the French Quarter, especially at The Soniat House Hotel.  Craig will continue the business along with loyal employee and skilled craftsman, Seth Peterson, who has worked with them for 23 years.
A celebration of life will be planned when the covid pandemic is under control.