Joan Arlene Kennedy

Joan Kennedy, 79, of Wesley Chapel FL formerly of Brigantine and Berlin, NJ, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 3, 2022. Beloved wife of the late John “Jack” Kennedy. Loving mother of Natalie (Bill) Beasley, John (Kathy) Kennedy, Jr. and Brian (Toni) Kennedy. Cherished Nanny of Jaclyn and Billy Beasley, Sonia (Macon) Salyer, Marissa and Jakob Kennedy. Dear sister of Ron (Meryl) Sonsini, Ricky (Joann) Sonsini, and the late Marie (Rich) Gransky. Also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Joan was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Haddon Heights, NJ by her beloved parents, the late Adelmo and Carmella Sonsini. She met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Jack. They were married on November 7, 1964 and celebrated 56 wonderful years together. She attended Pierce Junior College in Philadelphia, PA and went on to work for Philadelphia Electric Company. Joan became a mom to Natalie, John, and Brian and cared for her family and home for many years before returning to work. She was a Property Manager for many years and worked for PRD Management and Wilder Balter Management Company.

You could always count on Joan to be the most put together person in the room, with the most contagious laugh you’ve ever heard. She never went anywhere without her nails painted, her make up applied, and her hair perfectly styled. 

She loved bragging about her family, hosting visitors at their home in Saddlebrook Golf Resort, and going to the casinos. She always made sure to do her good luck rituals before heading to the slots. She was a great cook making Easter Pies, the best salad, escarole soup, and homemade meatballs with gravy - often serving you more than you could ever possibly eat. 

Joan enjoyed crocheting. Over the years, she made many ponchos and blankets for her children and grandchildren. She had a blast at NASCAR girl’s race weekends with her daughter Natalie and friends. Joan was an excellent golfer and enjoyed teaching and playing with family when they visited. She was a member of Saddlebrook’s Women’s Golf Association and was the 2013 Women’s Match Play Champion. Joan and Jack also won a Mixed Couples Golf Event through the Saddlebrook Women’s and Men’s Golf Association. 

In recent years, Joan had so much fun on cruises with Natalie, Bill, John and Kathy. She enjoyed watching football games with Brian and Toni. She loved spending weeks at a time with her granddaughter Jaclyn, watching her grandson Billy come home from deployment, seeing her granddaughter Sunny get married, watching her granddaughter Missy build her business as a hairstylist, and seeing her grandson Jake excel in the classroom and on the football field. 

Joan’s favorite part about life was her family. She loved HER JACK with all of her heart. He was the love of her life. Everybody’s favorite couple has always been Jack and Joan. The Jack and Joan reunion was undoubtedly one for the books. Joan is back with HER JACK, where she wants to be.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday January 8, 2022 starting at 12pm at the Saddlebrook Golf Resort on the Tropics Terrace at 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel FL 33543.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306 would be appreciated

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