It is with great sadness that we announce that Joan Kennedy, the cornerstone of the George Kennedy family, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the age of 85. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife and mother, a cherished sister and sister-in-law, a doting grandmother, a proud great-grandmother, and a good friend.
Born to Frank and Jane Ward on February 19, 1938, Joan brought joy and warmth into the world. Joan was the loving mother of the late Catherine Long (husband Brian Long) and Stephen Kennedy (wife Ann-Marie Kennedy). She was a source of inspiration and support for her family, and her love created a strong foundation that bound them together.
Joan was the sister of Mary Lou McMullen, with whom she shared a special bond throughout their lives. She was accepted with love into the big Kennedy clan, inheriting 6 sisters and 2 brothers who treated her as their own.
As a grandmother, Joan showered her grandchildren with unconditional love and affection. Bryan Johnson, Courtney Brown, Tianna Levesque, and Stephanie Kennedy all held a special place in her heart, and she took great joy in watching them grow and thrive. Her legacy of love extended to her grandchildren’s spouses (Beth, Christian, and Thomas), and her precious great-grandchildren, Saoirse and Rowan Johnson, Tyler and Tatianna Brown, and Levi Levesque. As a mother-in-law, she was the best anyone could hope for.
Joan’s life was marked by significant events and meaningful contributions. She dedicated many years as a secretary at Oxbow Public School, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of students and colleagues alike. In her early years, Joan’s passion for music led her to become a member of the Earl Terry Women’s Choir, and her beautiful voice echoed through wedding ceremonies, adding an extra touch of joy to those special occasions.
Sports held a special place in Joan’s heart, from cheering on minor hockey teams to following professional league baseball. Her enthusiasm and love for the game inspired those around her, and she reveled in the competition and camaraderie that sports brought to her life.
Joan’s presence in our lives will be profoundly missed. However, her love, warmth, and indomitable spirit will forever resonate within the hearts of her family and friends. As we remember her, let us celebrate her life, her unwavering love, and the lasting impact she had. Rest in peace, dear Joan Kennedy, knowing that your legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire and guide us.
Special mention to Sonya Grigg, who supported Joan through her toughest times.
Cremation has taken place. A public visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, LUCAN on Thursday, June 22nd from 2 – 4 PM. Registration for visitation is appreciated. Please click “register now” below to register. A private family interment at Medway Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society. Your contributions will honour her memory and support efforts to improve the lives of those affected by this challenging condition.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Laura Carne
George Kennedy and family
We are sorry for your loss. Joan was a remarkable woman and will not be forgotten. May you cherish the memories you hold dear.
Laura and Stuart Carne and family
LaVerne Revington
George, Steven and Family,
I am saddened by the loss of Joan. She was a wonderful friend. We shared many memories and good times together starting at Oxbow Public School. There was always laughter in our get togethers and for that I am forever thankful. George and family, she was a special one! Be well in this difficult time.
Bob and Anne-Marie McNaughton
it was with sadness that we heard of Joan’s passing She was a great person with always a smile and a hello
Patrick David Maidens
Steve and family;
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Sounds like she was a terrific person.
Joanne Hatt
Our deepest condolences.
Joanne and Al Hatt
Jim and Joan (Hodgins) Emery
Dear George and Family:
We are sending our sincere sympathy to each of you in the passing of your dear and precious Joan. She ‘wore’ her heart on her face and showed her love to anyone she met.
You must have so many happy memories of everything you did as part of the Kennedy clan and Joan’s family. Keep sharing and talking about all of those memories.
May God surround your family, and reveal Himself to you, as you live through these days.
Jim and Joan ( Hodgins) Emery
Bill Thomas
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Deepest condolences to the entire Kennedy Family.
Jay & Christine Hayden
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Fran Urbshott
George, Steve and family,
Brian & I are sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Brian, Fran Urbshott and family.
Liz and Roy Fulton
So sorry.
Pamela Bice
George, Stephen, Ann-Marie and family
I was so very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She was such a huge presence in my life , my children’s and my parents. I have so many fond memories of her, from the kind Mrs. Kennedy who was always so helpful at Oxbow to the friend of my Mom’s who had such an amazing smile and of course Aunt Joan to my kids. The one thing I am sure is that she and Mom are having a grand old visit laughing about all the amazing times they had together. We were all blessed to have shared in her life.
Big hugs to all of you
Pam Bice and family
Wayne and Heather Greig
George and Family, We are sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She will be resting peacefully now.
Norma Clare
To George and Family – Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Joan. She was such a beautiful person in every way. For many years, we sang together in the Earle Terry Singers. She was a cherished member, and a dear friend. Do know my caring thoughts are with you . . .
Norma (Dunn) Clare
Janice Beckett
To George and the family
It saddens me to hear of the passing of Joan. During my time at Oxbow, she made coming to work fun. Joan’s kindness and willingness to help were always appreciated. Laughing came easily to Joan, which was such a great quality, especially when working with students and families, she was the heart of Oxbow. She will be missed.
Bonnie and Marty Hodgins
Marty and I are saddened to hear. As many have said “Mrs Kennedy” was a great memory in our years at Oxbow. Our thoughts are with the entire family.
Vera Henderson
George and family
I am sorry to hear about Joan’s death…a loss to your entire family. My thoughts are with all of you and I know you will find comfort in the memories you will always carry with you of the special person she was.
Vera Henderson
Bill &Joan Dobbie
Sending our sympathy to George, Stephen & family
We have lost another special & dear person
RIP Joan heaven will open u with open arms
Bill &Joan Dobbie
Sheila (Beatson) Hodgins
To the Kennedy Family. I am saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. Mrs Kennedy was the glue that held Oxbow Public School together for many of us students.
As the 1994 Oxbow Cookbook says:
The spirit of Oxbow Recipe includes:
1 and only 1, Mrs Kennedy (she knows everything!)
Marg Robb
Very good memories of Joan at Oxbow school. A very special woman.
Shelly Edwards
George and family we send our deepest sympathies for the loss of a beautiful lady Joan. She was the face of Oxbow and such a wonderful person filled with love and so much knowledge. Our kids send their love!! Geoff, Shelly and family
Angela Jack
My condolences to the Kennedy family. I have MANY fond memories of Mrs. Kennedy while sitting in the office multiple times a week throughout my 9 years at Oxbow! It didn’t matter what I did to land myself there, I was always greeted with the most beautiful smile and the biggest hugs! She sure was one in a million!
Chris & Lisa Robson
George, Stephen & Family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. We extend our sincere condolences. The Kennedy clan were always terrific neighbours!
RIP Joan
Heather Bice
George, Stephen, Ann-Marie, Tia, Stephanie, Bryan , Courtney and families
Joan was such a special lady and touched the hearts of many people. She was a great friend to Mom and Mom cherished her fun times they had together. Joan always had a smile for everyone she met, she was kind, caring and always ready to lend a hand. She was adorned by all the students at Oxbow that were lucky enough to know Mrs. Kennedy (me included) and she always went above and beyond for the students and parents alike. She will be truly missed in our community and will be remembered for her generous spirit. Hoping you can take all those great memories in your heart will give you strength and peace in the difficult days ahead. Thinking of all of you.
Sincerely
Heather Bice
Susan Cook
Dearest Kennedy family,
We were so saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. She was a wonderful lady who always had a smile on her face and lots of love in her heart. We will miss her dearly! Hold onto all those wonderful memories and she will live forever in your hearts.
Sam and Sue
John and Joan Morgan
George and Family,
Our thoughts are with you and your family in the loss of your dear Joan. We wish to extend our sincere sympathies to the entire family. Cherish and remember the great family times.
John and Joan Morgan
Don and Elvy Urbshott
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, Unheard, but very near,
Still missed, still loved and very dear.
Diane Young
George, Stephen, Ann-Marie, Tia and Stephanie and families
I am sorry to hear about Joan’s passing. She was a very fine lady. I remember her as cheering on the girls hockey team and the odd time seeing her around town and area, she always had a smile. Our deepest sympathy. Cherish your memories.
Diane Young and Jessica Davis
Lynda Niles
George and family,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Hoping the wonderful memories of Joan will comfort you now and in the future.
Rick and Lynda Niles
Steve and Kim Bowman
Dear George and family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss your special lady Joan.
Joan was a wonderful person, and her smile would light up the room.
Joan was truly a Oxbow Star !
Judy Bond
George & family, please accept my deepest condolences on Joan passing. She always met me with a great smile and conversation. May she rest in peace.
Judy Bond
Dale & Linda Froats
George and the Kennedy family, Wishing you peace and comfort at this sad time as you share together your memories of Joan and your times together as a family who knew lots of laughter and joy.
Gary, Bonnie and Pamela Ideson
George, Steve and Kennedy families
Ilderton has lost another special lady – Joan has left the community with many wonderful memories, especially at Oxbow school. Cherish the many kind messages of sympathy and memories of Joan to help you through the difficult days ahead. Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Tara McKenzie
George , Steve & Anne Marie and family,
Very sorry to hear of your loss
Joan was one of the kindest ,sweetest ladies I know
Thinking of you all …she will be missed by many
Hugs XX
Tara McKenzie
Verda Keays
My sincere condolences to George and family. Joan’s smile and infectious laugh were pure joy. I have very fond memories from school board functions and hockey games. May your fond memories and knowing she is at peace give you strength in the times ahead.
Verda Keays
Lloyd and Julia McNaughton
To the Kennedy family, Lloyd and I send our deepest sympathy to you. Joan was loved and respected by all. My fond memories remain in your hearts forever.
Jonathan Van Delft
My sincere condolences to the whole family. I consider myself very fortunate to have known Joan for the time that I did, and even then it was clear to see how bright a light she has been throughout the entirety of her life. She will always leave an impact on me and be one of my favourite people I have ever worked with.
May she rest in peace.
Ruth & Cliff Dickie
George , Steve and all the family,.
Joan was a wonderful lady, always had a smile. I worked with her at Oxbow through the Home and school. She was always willing to help me. Cherish all the memories.
Elston, Young and Walker Families
Dear George and the Kennedy Family,
We are thinking of you as you both miss and celebrate your beautiful Joan. We always enjoyed our visits with Joan, often after church on many a Sunday morning, when she would pop over to our pew and ask how things were going. With great humility, she embodied friendliness, genuine interest in others, a sense of humour and a volunteer spirit. Her smiles came naturally, lighting up her corner of the world and those blessed to be in it. Wishing you peaceful thoughts amidst the many happy memories.
Pat Goertz
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Joan. She will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace Joan…..
Pat & Ben Goertz
Deb & Rob Andrews
George, Steve, Ann-Marie and extended family
Joan was a friendly and caring lady. Her smile would like up the room. She was especially proud of her family and loved to share all your accomplishments in life.
Joan touched the lives of so many, young and old and she will forever be remembered for all she did.
Hold those memories close in your mind and heart, they will get you through the difficult days.
Rest in peace dear Joan.
Joan Taylor
My condolences on Joan’s passing. Her love of life was evident in her smile. Let the memories of the good times be your support in the coming weeks.
Jeff & Teresa Young
George and family So sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts and prayers go out to you all
Joan Robson
To George and the Kennedy family
I think that Joan had a very wonderful life…working at Oxbow,,going to ball games and sharing her beautiful voice….she sang at my wedding almost 56 years ago!
May she rest in peace.
Joan Robaon and Ralph Needham
Joan Leitch
George and Family,
Joan was a wonderful person, and will truly be missed. Her smiling face for kids at Oxbow, many memories with baseball. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Joan, Kevin Leitch
Steve & Paula (Leitch) Morrison
Orene McNaughton
Dear George and the entire Kennedy Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She was a great lady and a dear friend. We all will miss her.
Orene McNaughton and family
Dawna and Harry Van Boxmeer
Steve, Ann-Marie and Family
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Joan. Thinking of you and wishing you fond memories of your times together.
Diane O’Shea
Sending our most sincere sympathy to the entire Kennedy family. Joan was such a lovely lady, we remember her fondly.
Diane and Mike O’Shea
John & Mary Walls
To George and family;
Joan always greeted you with a smile. Lots of great memories for you to cherish. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Katherine McNaughton
George Kennedy & Family
Sincere sympathy to George and his family.
Joan was a special person in our lives, not only a great neighbor, but enjoyed our fellowship working together at Bethel Church.
She also took a great interest and care of our family when they attended Oxbow School.
R.I.P. dear friend.
Katherine McNaughton & Family
Kim Waugh (Grigg)
To the Kennedy family,
I am so sorry to hear about Joan. She was such a lovely person, a great friend to my mom and just a nice person to be around. I often remember our times together as a family, having dinner at your house or ours. Those memories are very special and still make me laugh to this day. The Grigg kids often talk about some of the antics at the dinner table!
Joan will be missed by many. I am thinking of you at this difficult time and I hope your memories bring you comfort at this sad time.
Paul Elston
To the Kennedy Family
So sorry to hear about Joan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Paul Elston and Family
Kim Miles
George, Stephen, Ann-Marie, Tia and Stephanie we are all so very sorry for your loss. Joan was a wonderful person with a beautiful soul and I’m sure her absence will truly missed amongst your family. Try and take comfort knowing she is at peace and she will always be in your hearts.
Kim, Jessi & Justine and Bill Miles
Ann (Shoebottom) Brabender
George and family – my deepest sympathy. Joan had a great voice and wonderful smile. Joan was always involved in the community. Cherish all the memories for years to come.
Bryan and Liz Graham
George, Stephen and Family
We extend our condolences to you at this difficult time. Joan will always have a special place in our hearts, created by our close working and social relationships. We will continue to cherish these many encounters. May you find comfort in your many memories.
Bryan and Liz Graham
Helga Howald
George and family,
My baseball years playing with Joan hold fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. She was a great lady.
Alma Robb
To the Kennedy Family
Joan was a bright star to the children at Oxbow, and will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace!
Mary Hammel
To Stephan, Anne Marie and family. Our sincere condolences. May all your memories hold a special place in your hearts. I have met her a few times and she was a special lady. Paul and Mary Hammel
Lindsey Sinclair (DeBlock)
So sorry to hear of Joan passing. She was a wonderful lady. I have many fond memories of her. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Barbara (Filson) Johnson
To The Kennedy Family
So sorry to of your loss.
I have wonderful memories of Joan at Oxbow.
She was a very caring loving lady.
Theresa Jaworski
Tia – my thoughts are with you and the family –
Chelsey (Manning) Passmore
Dear Kennedy’s,
Through the years, she’s gone from Mrs. Kennedy at Oxbow, to Joan when meeting in the community. No matter where or when we met, each greeting was always met with calling me by name and a flash of her heartwarming smile. My hope is that your memories of Mom/Grandma and Great-Grandma bring you a sense of comfort in the coming days and weeks. Her wonderful legacy lives on in each of you.
Sincerely
Chelsey (Manning) Passmore
Kathy Noyes
To the Kennedy Family,
Our sincerest condolences. May the memories you cherish bring comfort at this time.
Terry and Kathy Noyes
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
George and Family
Thinking of you at this difficult time.Joan was a super lady.When she was at Oxbow school our children adored her she knew the students and looked out for them whether they were in trouble or not. Cherish the memories