Joan Kennedy Obituary

Joan Ancilla Kennedy, Lt. Col. (ret), USAF, NC, age 74 died at Pikes Peak Hospice on January 16, 2007, after a valiant struggle with cancer. She was born June 25, 1932, in Derby, Connecticut, the daughter of Harold and Lillian Kennedy. Colonel Kennedy graduated from St. Raphael's Hospital School of Nursing in New Haven, Connecticut, and entered the Air Force in 1959. Her assignments included Italy, France, Vietnam, and numerous stateside bases. The highlight of Colonel Kennedy's career was serving as a flight nurse on a C-141 aircraft which brought out a group of POW's from Hanoi, North Vietnam. During her career, decorations included the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. After her retirement from the Air Force in 1982, following an assignment at USAFA Hospital, Colonel Kennedy resided in Colorado Springs where she was active in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, MOAA and the Society of AF Nurses. She was a great supporter of animal rescue groups and always had a pet Schnauzer at her side. Colonel Kennedy's parents and one sister predeceased her. She is survived by her loving sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Francis McHale of Philadelphia, PA, four nieces, one nephew, one great- nephew, two great-nieces, and her beloved dog, Frankie. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Monday, January 22, 2007 at 10:30 am. Interment will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 10:00 am Fort Logan National Cemetery Staging area (A), Denver, Colorado In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbott Lane, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905, Society of Air Force Nurses Inc., PO Box 681026, San Antonio, TX 78268, Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.