Joanne Patricia Kennedy

Joanne Patricia Kennedy, age 67, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 13, 1958, she was the proud daughter of John and Eileen Kennedy. Joanne was raised in Springfield, where she graduated from Cathedral High School and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Nursing from Saint Joseph's College.

Joanne’s life was characterized by her commitment to family and friends, building countless communities and effortlessly growing them from childhood through adulthood. She’ll be remembered for her unmatched positivity, strength, kindness, and caring for others throughout her entire life. Joanne pursued her calling of taking care of others in her professional career, working 40 years as a nurse at Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston.

Joanne was the unofficial leader in her family as the eldest daughter in a family with eight children, and she was the glue that kept the family together. She was the devoted sister of John Kennedy and his wife, Marilyn, of Florida, Eileen Kennedy of Walpole, Patricia Montana and her husband, Robert, of Longmeadow, Thomas Kennedy and his wife, Margaret, of Yarmouth Port, Maureen Kennedy of Walpole, Edward Kennedy and his wife, Kim, of Florida, and Kevin Kennedy and his wife, Jeanne, of Longmeadow. She was the proud aunt to many loving nieces and nephews, as well as a sister-in-law and aunt to all the members of the Flaherty family.

Nothing made Joanne prouder than her role as loving mother to Colman Flaherty of East Walpole, MaryKate Flaherty and her wife, Sara, of Medford, and Liam Flaherty and his wife, Megan, of Norwood. That is until she met her grandchildren, at which time she was promoted to the cherished role of “Grammie.” Joanne was Grammie to Phoebe, Patrick, and Keegan (and her grand-dogs Reagan and Zoey) and she had a special ability to create magical moments with them in simplicity. Seeing her children become parents, and building relationships with the grandchildren that adored her, gave her the greatest source of joy.

Joanne’s happiest days usually involved the ocean, a good book, and her latest knitting project. She poured her love into beautiful blankets, hats, sweaters, scarves, stockings and more for those she held dearest. These gifts her closest family and friends will enjoy forever.

With family at the center of everything she did, Joanne made everyone near and far feel like family to her, welcoming and finding meaningful connections with all. Joanne leaves a legacy of warmth and kindness that her children, grandchildren, and relatives will feel for decades to come.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joanne's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole, MA. Guests are asked to wear something colorful, as Joanne always viewed funerals as a celebration of life. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted and interment will take place privately.

The family kindly requests that no flowers are sent to the church. If you’d like to make a contribution, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber in memory of Joanne Kennedy. To give online, please visit www.dfci.org/give and make your gift In Memory of Joanne Kennedy. These donations will be directed to Dr. Matulonis, an incredible oncologist responsible for providing the best care for Joanne over the last 5 years. Checks should be mailed to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Checks should be made to Dana-Farber and include 'Dr. Matulonis research' in the memo section.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.