Obituary for Johanna "Joan" Kennedy (Hicks)
Johanna “Joan” Hicks Kennedy passed away at her home surrounded by family July 23, 2020.
Johanna was born on February 28, 1932 in Harbour Main, Newfoundland, Canada. She met her husband, Patrick Kennedy, when they were children attending grammar school in a one-room schoolhouse in the small fishing village.
Johanna preferred to be called Joan. In her words, “Johanna is a terrible name to give a child.”
Joan worked at the Fort Pepperrell Air Force base in St. John’s, Newfoundland and married Patrick on February 7, 1959 – immigrating to the United States later that year.
The couple settled in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn where Joan worked for the Board of Education and Patrick was a Local 40 ironworker.
In retirement, Joan and Patrick spent winters in Florida and many summers in Newfoundland – often bringing their grandchildren along for the ride. Joan’s interests included puzzles, reading, cooking and doing her best to remain loyal to the New York Mets. She devoted much of her time to her beloved family, who will miss her dearly.
Joan is survived by her husband; her siblings, Margaret, Teresa, Junior and Mary; her children, Donna, Patrick and Karen; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, Martin; her siblings, Eileen, Lena and Hubert; and her parents, Agatha Joy and Joseph Hicks.
Joan, whose grandchildren affectionately called “nanny,” deeply touched all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be fondly remembered as a truly kindhearted and beautiful woman.
Johanna was born on February 28, 1932 in Harbour Main, Newfoundland, Canada. She met her husband, Patrick Kennedy, when they were children attending grammar school in a one-room schoolhouse in the small fishing village.
Johanna preferred to be called Joan. In her words, “Johanna is a terrible name to give a child.”
Joan worked at the Fort Pepperrell Air Force base in St. John’s, Newfoundland and married Patrick on February 7, 1959 – immigrating to the United States later that year.
The couple settled in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn where Joan worked for the Board of Education and Patrick was a Local 40 ironworker.
In retirement, Joan and Patrick spent winters in Florida and many summers in Newfoundland – often bringing their grandchildren along for the ride. Joan’s interests included puzzles, reading, cooking and doing her best to remain loyal to the New York Mets. She devoted much of her time to her beloved family, who will miss her dearly.
Joan is survived by her husband; her siblings, Margaret, Teresa, Junior and Mary; her children, Donna, Patrick and Karen; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, Martin; her siblings, Eileen, Lena and Hubert; and her parents, Agatha Joy and Joseph Hicks.
Joan, whose grandchildren affectionately called “nanny,” deeply touched all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be fondly remembered as a truly kindhearted and beautiful woman.