Joanna Irene Kennedy

June 29, 1944 - October 13, 2022

Joanna Irene Kennedy, of San Leandro, passed away peacefully at home on October 13th after a lengthy illness. Joanna was born on June 29, 1944 in Wasco, CA and raised in Caruthers, CA. She was predeceased by her Mother, Marie Hunsaker Wilson, Father, Kenneth C. Kennedy ( Killed in action in WW II in England 7/4/1944), and her Father, William “Pud” Wilson. Joanna is survived by her loving wife.. partner of 33 years - Carol Elizabeth Klufts; devoted sister, Joyce Shafer, Brother-in-law, Don “JR” Shafer, Niece, Christie Shafer, Nephews, Don (Sara) and John (Michelle) Shafer, Great Nieces Haley, Emily, and Alexa Shafer; Great Nephew Wilson Shafer (All of Fresno, CA); Aunt Neva Smith, Uncle Toney (Carol) Hunsaker of Arizona; Uncle Larry (Christine) Wilson and Aunt June (Galen) Johnson (Caruthers, CA); Sisters-inlaw Mary Lee (Dan) Lawrence of Newburyport, MA and Joan (“JJ”Jacobson) Goodwin of Manchester, NH and Brother-in-law George (Seth) Slack of Haddonfield, NJ and many Hunsaker, Wilson, Shafer, Klufts, Slack cousins.

Joanna’s childhood years were spent working alongside her parents, sister, and extended family harvesting many types of crops. Long and hard days in the fields were demanding but she always managed time for schooling.. reciting poetry.. playing sports (President of the Girls’ Athletic Association) .. working with the Teachers to Direct the High School Plays… and riding her motorcycle starting at 12 years old. Joanna graduated from Caruthers High and spent a couple of years at Fresno City College… which ignited a lifetime of reading and interest in learning and sharing her knowledge with others.

In the late 1960’s Joanna relocated to the Bay Area and worked for 33 years for the San Leandro Branch of the US Post Office. She earned exceptional praise from both Management and Union for her commitment, performance and integrity whether it was delivering the mail, or acting in her capacity as Union Shop Steward. Even after 20 years of Retirement Employees would stop by to thank her for her support.

But life was not just hard work. Joanna was a world traveler and Sports Enthusiast. She traveled to Kenya on an Audubon Birding Trip. As an excellent birder she was often the point person to identify the daily sighting on travels in Australia, Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Portugal, Spain… and all over the US. On many of these adventures rafting, kayaking, snorkeling and camping were daily activities as well. Every trip brought with it fascinating and sometimes side-splitting tales. Joanna was an avid fan of the Oakland Raiders .. even when they kept moving! She was a Season Ticket Holder with the Oakland A’s and attended many of the Stanford Cardinal and CAL Bears Women’s NCAA Basketball Games!

Weaving throughout all of her life’s pursuits was a powerful commitment to her family, friends and those in need. She was “The” #1 Cousin and everyone received counsel from her. Not heavy handed.. just clear and honest! Whether she was advising how to straighten up a leaning barn or a misguided choice in your life she had a solid idea. Giving bits of wisdom about gardening, travel, sports, books, poetry, life experiences she shared her life readily. Whether it was at a family gathering or while holding court in her garden or on the front porch with friends and neighbors, she shared her spirit with all! Joanna’s passing leaves an emptiness in our hearts too hard to describe, but the legacy of love and the stories of her life will help to continually fill some of that void!

There will be several “Celebrations of Life” as family, friends, neighbors gather to talk and remember. There are two formal Celebrations scheduled. On Sunday afternoon on November 6th there will be a private family gathering in Fresno. Then, on Saturday, December 3rd at 11am, there will be a Funeral Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in San Francisco. “Brave in Diversity.. Integrity in Commitment..Salt of the Earth.”