Joan Marie Kennedy, age 82, of Helena

Joan Marie Carter Kennedy (82) passed away from Alzheimer’s surrounded by her loving family on March 27, 2026 in Helena, MT.

Joan was born on September 19, 1943 at Providence Hospital in Oakland, CA to Thomas H. and Imelda Carter née Richardson. Joan was highly artistic, demonstrating her abilities as the favorite designer for school projects, dances, social events and other festive occasions at Ursuline High School Academy in Santa Rosa, CA. Joan and her friends loved to dance to the iconic dances Dick Clark featured on American Bandstand like the Hoochie Coochie, Bunny Hop, Wa-Watoosi, Hully Gully and Funky Chicken.

After high school, Joan ventured up north to Gonzaga University, where she was introduced to her roommate Patty White’s cousin James C. Kennedy. That was it for them both and they married shortly afterwards. They were blessed with two girls Deborah and Lisa. Joan was a devoted wife and mother, a frugal and creative homemaker and an overall smart cookie! A pinnacle of perseverance, once she started a job she didn’t give up until she finished it.

Joan started the career phase of her life after the kids were in elementary school by going back to work part time at the IRS to fund her BA in Accounting from Carroll College. After she got her degree, she was rapidly promoted. Over the course of her 12 year IRS career, she rose to the executive position of Public Affairs Officer. Joan organized media interviews, issued press releases and handled all media contacts. She wrote and edited the monthly employee newsletter all before they had computer programs that simplified the process. She won many prestigious awards and was well respected by her peers. She was offered several promotions but did not want to leave Helena.

When her kids grew up and left home, the house was too quiet. After an unsuccessful trial run with two parakeets, Joan decided that dogs would offer the best companionship for her and Jim. She welcomed Teddy, Chipper, Dandy, and her special support dog Bella over the years. Additionally, Joan and Jim enjoyed travel and took full advantage of his sales recognition trips to Bermuda, Mexico, San Francisco, Disney World, Disneyland, and the Bahamas.

Upon Joan’s retirement she shifted her focus to genealogy, where she became a first class “gumshoe” and spent years researching the Carter and Kennedy family ancestries. She identified, catalogued and traced these family histories into the 1700s. Her resulting binders fill a large bookshelf in the basement and are a treasure trove of family information.

In addition to her genealogy research Joan enjoyed cross stitching, using her artistic eye to create beautiful works of art. She loved spending the winters in Palm Springs where she could tend her flowers and fruit trees, explore the area and enjoy the warmth and welcome of her home state. Additionally, while back in Montana Joan liked to spend weekends at the Dearborn River enjoying the peace and quiet of the beautiful landscape and watching wildlife.

Sadly, Joan developed adult onset epilepsy in 2008, which abruptly curtailed her social activities. But drawing on that perseverance, she continued to enjoy reading fiction, cross stitching, genealogy, listening to music and tending to her home until she was unable to do so due to the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Imelda Carter. She is survived by her loving husband Jim, who is devastated that they will not celebrate their 65th anniversary this June. Joan is also survived by daughters Deborah L. Kennedy (Cam Gregg) of Woodinville, WA and Lisa K. Gresens (Jerry) of Clancy, MT; two grandchildren, Brendan Flynn (Cassie) of Carnation, WA and Riley Flynn (Emma) of Bothell, WA; and three (soon to be four) great grandchildren Hadley, Kaden and Hudson Flynn. Additionally, she is survived by her two sisters Patricia Presnell and Camille Gardner (Neil), nephews Tony Stryker (Holly), Neil Gardner (Mary) and niece Irene (James) Clark.

The family would like to acknowledge the incredible care and support Joan received at Beehive Homes in the memory care facility. Joan’s last two years were challenging. Amber Gallegos (Director) and the staff treated her with incredible respect and kindness. Once Hospice was called in, it was a coordinated and collaborative team effort to make sure Joan’s last days were comfortable and she was well cared for. The Beehive has our deepest gratitude and appreciation for their loving care.

Memorials can be sent to Lewis and Clark County Humane Society.

A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602, at 11am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Following the service, a reception will take place in the social hall of the funeral home. Condolences can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Her Life

11:00am

Tuesday April 7, 2026

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Memorial Service

Tuesday April 7, 2026

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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