Joanne M. Kennedy

CENTERVILLE- Joanne M. Kennedy, 85, died peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Brookdale Senior Living, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Francis P. Kennedy until his passing last November.

Joanne and Francis were high school sweethearts and celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Born in Springfield, MA on May 8, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Robert Fountain and Irene (Sweeney) Duknowicz. Joanne was a graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School. She was raised in Holyoke where she met her husband, Francis. Joanne owned and operated several restaurants in Western MA, as well as on Cape Cod.

Joanne was a Parishioner at the former Holy Cross Church in Holyoke, MA where she married the love of her life, Francis and also at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville. She attended Mass daily and made many great lasting friendships through the church. Joanne was a amazing cook, whether you were a member of her family or someone she barley knew, there was always a warm and loving meal to be shared. Above all, family was most important to her. She was the most devoting and loving grandmother to her eighteen grandchildren over the years. She will fondly be remembered as a mother, grandmother, role model, best friend, true representative of resilience, a true angel and the matriarch of the Kennedy Clan.

Joanne is survived and will be deeply missed by her children, Michael Kennedy, Daniel Kennedy, Eileen Kennedy and her husband Steve, Joseph Kennedy and his wife Janet, and Erin Kennedy and son in law Erik Cabral; her grandchildren, Katie, Heather, Lindsay, Megan, Michael, Thomas, Peggy, Riley, Elizabeth, Shawn, Ryan, Paiden, Connor, Jake, Shannon, Haley, and Kira; eleven great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a sister, Susan Pikul and her husband Edward.

In addition to her husband, Francis, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Kimberly Kennedy; and her brother, Robert Fountain.

Joanne’s family would like to thank the various caregivers that showed compassion during her later years especially the aides at Brookdale Senior Living.

A celebration of life will be held in August 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanne’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 264 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealameshyannis.com