Joanne M. Kenney

1961 - 2017

Joanne M. (Tusia) Kenney
of Ashburnham; 55

ASHBURNHAM -- After a fearless and heroic battle, Pancreatic Cancer stole the life of a beautiful lady, Joanne M. (Tusia) Kenney, 55, of Ashburnham. She passed away peacefully in her home on March 23, 2017 with her loving family by her side. Although she gained her angel wings, cancer did not beat her. In fact, she beat cancer as she left this world with her love, faith, strength, hope and dignity, surrounded by the people whom she loved unconditionally.

Joanne was born in Fitchburg on November 7, 1961, the daughter of Joseph and Dana (Toko) Tusia. She graduated from Leominster High School and later attended Mass College of Art and Wentworth.

Joanne leaves her parents, Joseph and Dana Tusia of Leominster; her beloved husband Ralph Kenney of Ashburnham; twin daughters, Kelly and Marisa Dunn of Boston; sister, Karen (Tusia) Beaudette of Fitchburg; nephew Eric Beaudette of Fitchburg; brother, Joseph Tusia and wife Kara of California; nephew Bryan Bourgeois of Leominster; as well as many adored sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins & many friends.

Joanne had multiple passions throughout her life and pursued each whole heartedly.

She was the owner and billing specialist of Legend Medical Express Inc., based in Las Vegas. Joanne also had her Real Estate License as well as her Construction Supervisors License.

Joanne met Ralph in 2000, and little did she know Ralph would become the love of her life, devoted husband and an incredible father to her twin girls. He was her family's missing puzzle piece.

Joanne and Ralph moved their family to Ashburnham in 2008, where they pursued their vision of building their dream home on Packard Hill Road. With their extensive background in construction, not only did they personally design their dream home but together they assisted in the labor and construction of their custom project.

Joanne was an early riser who was remarkably self motivated. Her infamous tag line "I get more done before noon than most people get done all day" was always received with laughter due to its significant truth.

She had a passion for creating. Her crafty imagination and artistic nature inspired a plethora of memorable projects, including but certainly not limited to: scrapbooking, all natural beauty products and home decor.

In addition, Joanne was an expert hostess who loved to entertain. She took great pride in opening her home to all, whether it was for family, friends or entire field hockey teams - there was always room for more. Joanne was an avid fan of Boston sports as well as Oakmont Regional, Northeastern and UMass Athletics. She never missed her daughters field hockey games even when they were on different teams. When their games were on the same day, she made sure to make an appearance at both games even if it meant she had to leave Amherst at half time in order to make it to Boston to catch the end of her other daughter's game.

Also in her free time Joanne enjoyed watching HGTV, playing cards and board games with family, beating anyone who dared to challenge her in "Name that Tune", picking blueberries at the local farm, and making s'mores in her backyard fire pit. She did all of this while maintaining her award winning title as the "World's Best Cleaner".

Her family timeshare at the West Wind 2 in Nassau, Bahamas was her second home and her happy place. Everything is always better in the Bahamas.

Joanne will forever be remembered by her family and friends for her compassionate, optimistic and selfless nature. Her courage and strength was and always will be immeasurable.

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you." -Winnie the Pooh

KENNEY -- Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Thursday, March 30, from 4-8 pm. The funeral will be held on Friday, March 31, in Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, 60 West Street, Leominster at 11 am and will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner at 12:30pm. All are welcome. Burial will be at a later date.