MOUNT MORIAH FUNERAL HOME DUE TO WEATHER AND WILL BE CONFINED TO
FAMILY MEMBERS.
Joanne Alice (Simmons) Kennedy, age 94, finished her work on Earth on August 27, 2020, a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area.
Joanne was born August 14, 1926 in Kansas City Missouri, the oldest child of Marie Alice (Miller) and Frederick Edward Simmons. Growing up, she and her 2 closest sisters were inseparable – playing school, paper dolls, caring for their precious baby sister, and enjoying years of dancing lessons together. Identical costumes for their many recitals were lovingly made by their mother who was an exquisite seamstress, a craft Joanne herself would perfect. She cherished opportunities to fish and ponder life with her Dad, a skill she would one day teach her grandchildren.
She graduated from Central High School in 1943 and spoke humbly of her involvement in the Thalian Literary Society there. In high school, her best friend invited her to attend the Epworth League (UMYF) at Agnes Avenue Methodist Church where her strong Christian faith took root. It was there she met Warren William (Nick) Kennedy at the District Methodist Youth Group shortly before he left to fight in WWII. Their friendship blossomed via letters while Nick was overseas. She cherished and kept every letter. While on leave, Nick proposed on August 14, 1945 at Kernoodles Park and they were married July 24, 1946 for 68 loving years, until Nick’s passing in 2014.
Joanne will be lovingly remembered by her 5 children: Diane (Robert) Hansen of Wentzville, MO, Frederick (Linda) Kennedy of Circleville, OH, William (Karen) Kennedy of Columbia, MO, Douglas (Janice) Kennedy of St Cloud, FL, and Kathleen (Michael) Roberts of Lee’s Summit, MO; 18 grandchildren: Karen (Loren) Ahaus, Robert Hansen Jr., Kenneth Hansen, Kristine (Chase) Franklin, Andrew (Kristina) Kennedy, Craig (Kimberly) Kennedy, Elizabeth (Sky) Kosobud, Sarah (Domenic Correggio) Kennedy, Amy (Alex) Junk, Emily (Thomas) Mattimoe, Joshua (Elizabeth) Kennedy, Joy (John) Kauffman, David (Sarah) Kennedy, Daniel (Allison) Kennedy, Bradley Roberts, Colin Peter, Caleb Peter, and Kelci Peter; 30 great grandchildren, sisters Thelma Wever of Sacramento, CA and Donna Wieligman of Lee’s Summit, MO; brother-in-law Charles Hoffman of Leawood, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Nick Kennedy, sister Helen (Simmons) Becker, brother-in-laws Charles Schneeberger, Robert Becker, Donald Wever and Dalbert Wieligman and sister-in-laws Beverly Hoffman and Ellene (Thurman) Hoffman.
Joanne loved her family first and foremost! She and Nick made family vacations a priority, introducing their children to many of the wonders of America with their passion for camping and being outdoors. Grandchildren were special! While camping at Lake Paradise in Lone Jack, MO, they could count on a game of 7-UP, Sequence, or Rummy Royal with Grandma daily at the picnic table adorned with the “candy bar” tablecloth. Spending numerous summers entertaining multiple grandchildren for 1 to 2 week stays, she shared her love of Kansas City and the Royals. She and Nick attended every band concert, soccer game, recital, swim meet, baseball game, cheer competition, scout ceremony, and choir concert their children and grandchildren had – traveling near and far. Joanne loved to cook, often humming You Are My Sunshine or singing along to her vast collection of records. Chicken and dumplings, mandarin orange jello, snickerdoodles, and Spritz cookies were family favorites and enjoyed to this day, with recipes passed down for next generations. Nick and Joanne enjoyed square dancing with the Huff n Puff Square Dancers, attended concerts at the Kauffman Center, and could be found cheering from their seats on the 50 yard line at Arrowhead Stadium as loyal season ticket holders for the Chiefs games – even through all the “dry” years! She was thrilled with the Super Bowl LIV win this past February! Joanne learned to snow ski at the age of 55 and rejoiced at skiing blues and greens with a FREE lift ticket at the age of 70! Numerous cruises to the Caribbean, Scotland and Alaska, riding the train in the Canadian Rockies, attending the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany and making several trips to Europe and Africa, including Kruger National Park were just a few of their travels,
Joanne’s love for her family was exceeded only by her love for her Lord Jesus Christ. She had a deep faith in Him and did whatever she could to pass it along to the next generation. She led by example and with unconditional love, and welcomed all she met into her fold. Her smile lit up a room and her optimistic, gentle nature made a stranger feel at ease. She lived The Golden Rule.
Randolph United Methodist Church was the “hub” for Nick & Joanne’s family for over 40 years. She wore many hats including Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader. Women’s Bible Study Leader, Officer/Member of the United Methodist Women, Choir member and avid bowler in the church league! She was passionate about Girl Scouts - a troop leader, delegate to the National Council Session in 1979, served on the Mid-Continent Council Board of Directors, and in 1979 received the Thanks Badge, a National Girl Scout Award. Instrumental in starting the selling of magazines as a fund-raiser for the Girl Scout Council, Joanne worked tirelessly for 21 years as a volunteer for this fundraiser. She served a 2-year term as the first PTA President for Indian Creek Elementary School in the Center School District. Kingswood Senior Living was her home for 18 years and brought her many friendships and joy during the retirement years. Prairie Elder Care Farmstead was the perfect spot to wrap up a glorious, well-served life as she prepared for her prize – Everlasting Life with Christ.
Joanne’s life was a living example of her favorite bible verse, Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (NAS)
A private family graveside service will be held at Mount Moriah Cemetery on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed at fb.com/MtMoriahNewcomer
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
