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Joan Kennedy
1936 - 2025
Joan Kennedy
1936 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
Joan Kennedy Obituary
Born Virginia Joan Bennett on September 2, 1936, in New York City, she was the daughter of Virginia Joan Stead Bennett and Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr. She grew up in Bronxville, New York.
She met Ted Kennedy through his sister, Jean Kennedy Smith, and married him on November 29, 1958. They had three children: Kara, Edward Jr., and Patrick.
A Manhattanville College alumna, Kennedy sustained a lifelong devotion to music. She made her concert debut in 1970, performing with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra in Philadelphia.
Her life unfolded in public view during milestones and tragedies of the Kennedy family, including the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident and the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.
She balanced campaign trail expectations with private challenges, including miscarriages and a long struggle with alcoholism that she later addressed openly, helping reduce stigma around addiction.
She and the senator separated in 1978 and divorced in 1982, remaining linked through their children and extended family gatherings for decades afterward.
A classically inclined reader and teacher as well as performer, Ms. Kennedy also earned a master's degree in education later in life and published the 1992 book "The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family."
Family members remembered her for grace, courage, and quiet strength. Her sons praised her honesty and her example after her death.
Kennedy was predeceased by her daughter, Kara Kennedy Allen (1960–2011).
Her last widely shared family appearance came during the Fourth of July gathering in Hyannis Port this year, where she was filmed surrounded by loved ones.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: AP Photo/Marty Reichenthal)
35 Entries
David M Molloy
October 15, 2025
To Ted Jr and Patrick,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mom. Your Mom was true leader and a fine person.
My condolences to you at this sad time.
My Best,
David M Molloy
John James Payne
October 14, 2025
When I was in college then Mr. and Mrs Kennedy lived in Boston at Charles River Sq.
I lived next cul de sac over at West Hill Place both off of Storrow Drive near Charles Circle.
Dear Mrs. Joan Kennedy was a very friendly neighbor who answered the door herself at 3 Charles River Sq.
I remember her always as a warm beautiful talented woman pianist and her children's PBS show: "Peter and The Wolf."
Condolences especially to her son Patrick.
John Payne, Boston.
Robert Sledz
October 14, 2025
Eternal rest Grant unto her oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen
Mr.Jr.
October 13, 2025
My Condolences.
How you can show support
Tom Berbas
October 12, 2025
Joan Kennedy´s grace, resilience, and devotion to music touched many lives. Her legacy as a talented pianist and loving mother will be remembered with admiration and respect. My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who mourn her passing. Respectfully, Tom Berbas
Joe Allison
October 12, 2025
So sorry for your loss loss, May she Rest In Peace
Tenley of Pennsylvania
October 12, 2025
You were one excellent piano player and even Liberace admired you!
Now you're in Heaven with him and many of the greatest musicians who ever lived!!!
Mark D'Agostino
October 12, 2025
Misses Kennedy,
May God rest your soul
I most humbly abd with my utmost respect send the Kennedy Family my condolences.
May God be with her.
God Bless The Kennedy Family.
Carolyn Hardy
October 11, 2025
I loved Joan. She was the long suffering wife of Ted Kennedy. She was so loving, kind, smart and known for her love of Jackie Kennedy. She set a beautiful example to her family and the world. She will be missed but now will stand as an idol of America.
Tina Jones
October 11, 2025
My condolences to the family on the loss of such a wonderful lady. I had the privilege of corresponding with Mrs. Kennedy for many years. My flights of Angels sing tee to thy rest.
RA
October 11, 2025
Joan Kennedy was a talented pianist. She helped so many people by being open about her battle with alcoholism. She endured tragedies but continued to be a strong woman in her own right. Prayers for the family, May God be with you in your time of loss.
Carson Loveless
October 10, 2025
Condolences to her family
Barbara Smith
October 10, 2025
Somewhere I have a treasured photo standing next to this elegant lady at a church function at the Paulist Center in Boston. We became close for a short bit of time, exchanged stories like old friends, and cultivated a trust based on honesty and integrity and shared values. Her life was not easy nor simple, yet her abundant grace is remembered with fondness bordering on love. Rest in deep peace.
J Hoffman
October 10, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. She was such an amazing person who always had such a kind heart. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
ER
October 10, 2025
Condolences to Joan´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. I hope the fond memories of your loved one always be remembered.
Friends of family
October 10, 2025
Friend
October 10, 2025
Kennedy Wyatt
October 10, 2025
My condolences to your family. May you find peace and comfort remembering special moments that you spent with Joan.
These are the moments that you will treasure as you reflect back on Joan´s life journey. This reflection is what keeps her alive in your hearts. Rest assured that God will also remember Joan´s life journey.
Frank Schlaich
October 10, 2025
My condolences to the Joan Bennet Kennedy family! Everyone has a share of problems. I have so much respect you, you shared them with
the public. Rest in peace, you heavenly angel!
Eunice Lindsey
October 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss! Rest in peace! Praying for the family.
Michelle Morrissette
October 10, 2025
To the entire Kennedy family and to her children, I´m sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady, very kind. God bless you Joan. May you all have God's comforting arms around you.
Michelle Morrissette
Friend
October 10, 2025
John A. Nicolrlla
October 10, 2025
Mrs.Kennedy was a quiet loving inspiration.She consoled JFK near the end of his life when he lost a child. She was a devoted friend to her husband´s sister in law,Jacqueline and vice versa. She had a rare musical talent which she shared.Too she was a great charioteer to many worthwhile causes in Boston.
Her children adored her. Joan´s joy has just begun.
Prayer friend
October 10, 2025
Love & prayers & rosaries,
Ame Caline
Michel Polnareff
RB
October 10, 2025
Prayers for the Bennett and Kennedy families, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you to help you through this very difficult time of your loss.
Irene Olivarez
October 9, 2025
My condolences to her friends and may she rest in eternal peace.
Faith Tobin/Brad J.Herscot
October 9, 2025
Dear Bennett Kennedy Family my condolences´s to the family.she´ll surely be missed very much and may she rest in peace.best faith/brad
Sally McCoy, Selma CA USA
October 9, 2025
My sincerest Condolences to the entire Kennedy family. She faced great sadness and triumphs throughout her long life. With grace, strength and talent as a mother, grandmother, aunt cousin,a teacher, author, and concert pianist, she leaves this world to remember her by. God Bless you, Mrs. Kennedy. May his Perpetual light shine on you always. Amen.
Stacy Harris
October 9, 2025
I first met Joan Kennedy in the company of Ethel Kennedy and the latter's children, Michael and Kerry on November 21, 1971. The occasion was a Kennedy Center benefit tennis match at Georgetown University´s McDonough Gymnasium. (Ted Kennedy, whom I had previously met in my native Minnesota, was also there.)
Years later I encountered Joan Kennedy backstage at the Grand Ole Opry where she was appearing as a guest on the longest-running radio stage show in the history of man in her capacity as a concert pianist. There, In the Opry's green room, we became reacquainted as I showed Mrs. Kennedy the photos I had taken at the tennis match.
As the room was full and a little noisy, I noticed that as Mrs. Kennedy looked at each of the handful of photos one-by-one that she did not return the last couple of them to me. As I tried to explain that I had not made copies of the snapshots (the negatives had long since disappeared) these were not gifts.
Maybe Mrs. Kennedy did not hear me. Perhaps she ignored me, but Mrs. Kennedy, with the pocketed photos, made a mad dash off to the stage.
I would later learn of Joan Kennedy's alcoholism and associated mental health issues.
I never met Kara, but have great memories of attending Vanderbilt University's Impact Program where her father appeared with Joan's and Ted's son, Patrick and later of meeting Ted Kennedy, Jr. when he came to Nashville to speak at a St. Thomas Hospital program.
My condolences to Ted, Jr., Patrick, Joan's sister Candace, her Kennedy nieces and nephews, friends and all who mourn.
Stacy Harris
October 9, 2025
I first met Joan Kennedy in the company of Ethel Kennedy and the latter's children, Michael and Kerry on November 21, 1971. The occasion was a Kennedy Center benefit tennis match at Georgetown University´s McDonough Gymnasium. (Ted Kennedy, whom I had previously met in my native Minnesota, was also there.)
Years later I encountered Joan Kennedy backstage at the Grand Ole Opry where she was appearing as a guest on the longest-running radio stage show in the history of man in her capacity as a concert pianist. There, In the Opry's green room, we became reacquainted as I showed Mrs. Kennedy the photos I had taken at the tennis match.
As the room was full and a little noisy, I noticed that as Mrs. Kennedy looked at each of the handful of photos one-by-one that she did not return the last couple of them to me. As I tried to explain that I had not made copies of the snapshots (the negatives had long since disappeared) these were not gifts.
Maybe Mrs. Kennedy did not hear me. Perhaps she ignored me, but Mrs. Kennedy and the pocketed photos made a mad dash off to the stage.
I would later learn of Joan Kennedy's alcoholism and associated mental health issues.
I never met Kara, but have great memories of attending Vanderbilt University's Impact Program where her father appeared with Joan's and Ted's son, Patrick and later of meeting Ted Kennedy, Jr. came to Nashville to speak at a St. Thomas Hospital program.
My condolences to Ted, Jr., Patrick, Joan's sister Candace, her Kennedy nieces and nephews, friends and all who mourn.
Wanda McGlamery
October 9, 2025
I did not know you personally but was praying for you as you went thru so many trials and tribulations...I pray you RIP...
Diana Patton
October 9, 2025
My prayers to Joan Kennedy's family. I always admired the Kennedy women. The Lord Is My Shepherd. Psalm 23.
Alberta bove
October 9, 2025
I have my memories of Joan as gorgeous, brilliant and just a sweetheart. She suffered her pain quietly and looked for no attentio. Rip, Joan
Church family
October 9, 2025
Friends of family
October 9, 2025
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