JOAN MARIE KENNEDY

It is with profound sadness and cherished memories that we announce the death of Joan Marie (Listrom) Kennedy in Brandon, Manitoba on Monday, July 22, 2024. 

Joan died peacefully at the Brandon General Hospital - Assiniboine Centre Palliative ward with her one true love, Alfred Kennedy by her side. She passed after a year-long battle with cancer, that rapidly spread in the last 7 weeks. 

Joan is the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence Listrom & Carmelita (Cope) Listrom from Broadview, Saskatchewan.  Joan is survived by her true love and best friend Alfred Kennedy, and their two children, spouses and grandchildren - Sean Kennedy (Christine Mattiuzzi), Liam & Ella; Maura-Jo Haytaoglu (Hakan Haytaoglu), Drew & Hana.   “Love you…forever”

Joan leaves to mourn her sister Laurie Basky (Ed Basky) niece Kim Herperger (Steven, Keegan, & Bryn), nephew Todd (Julie) & brother Robin Listrom (Deborah) nephew Kristian, and her predeceased nephew Nikolas. Also mourning are many other nieces & nephews, “Swedish Princess” cousins, great nieces & nephews, friends and community members. Joan will be fondly remembered by her faithful Kingdom Hall congregation.

Joan was born and raised in Broadview, Saskatchewan. After graduating from high school at 16, Joan attended the University of Regina where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts (honours) at the age of 19. 

While attending school, she was very active with her Luther League community - traveling and singing in the USA and Mexico. She loved to act, to dance & to sing. While at university in Regina, Joan met Alf under a table at a party, sipping gin. She said it was the best gin she ever tasted! They courted for 2 years before marrying in July 3, 1965. 

Joan worked in the banking industry until she became a mother. She continued to pursue income opportunities from home - by fostering children, taking care of tenants and opening an in-home day care. In 1974 Joan founded the first preschool for children with mental disabilities in all of Manitoba. Following her caregiver career, Joan followed Alf’s banking career cross country to Calgary, AB & eventually to Cranbrook, BC. She continued to be a stay-at-home mom, volunteering at the schools and working at the local libraries. 

Upon returning to Manitoba with Alf in 1985, she took up the position of Admin Assistant & fundraising for various organizations - including Admin Assistant to the Executive Director at Child and Family Services. Following retirement from this position she worked in Guest Services at the Brandon Shoppers Mall.

Joan was highly respected and known widely for her dedication and service to fundraising for charities such as Heart and Stroke and the Cancer Society. She had found peace, her spiritual path and serenity, and was living her life happy and joyously. 

As per Joan’s wishes cremation has taken place. 

Two Ceremonies will be held. One for her Jehovah Witness congregation, a Celebration of Life the following day, as requested by her close family and friends. 

The ceremonies are planned as follows:

1. Funeral Service: Friday, August 9 @3pm with small reception to follow – Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness: 3434 Park Ave, Brandon, MB

2. Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 10 @1-4pm – Ken Robins Hall, Westman Lions Manor: 35 Victoria Ave E (door 3), Brandon, MB

Please feel free to attend one or both. Come as you are.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. 

“Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there is a memory, they live in our hearts to stay” 

- unknown

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​