Jo Ann Kennedy
1942 - 2025
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Obituary for Jo Ann (Hubbard) Kennedy
March 9, 1942 – October 30, 2025
Jo Ann Kennedy (Hubbard), beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. She was born on March 9, 1942, and lived a life defined by compassion, independence, and an unwavering commitment to others.
At the age of 19, Jo Ann began her lifelong career as a hairstylist — a calling that reflected her natural gift for connection and care. For nearly six decades, until her retirement at 78, she helped countless people feel seen, heard, and beautiful. Her chair was more than a place for a haircut — it was a place of kindness, laughter, and healing.
Beyond her work, Jo Ann was a woman of conviction and courage. A passionate advocate for social justice, she marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago during the late 1960s, standing firmly for equality and human dignity.
She loved the outdoors and embraced life’s adventures well into her seventies — kayaking, biking, and finding peace in nature. She especially loved Starved Rock, where her family will honor her wishes to have her ashes spread and to gather in celebration of her life.
Jo Ann is survived by her children Patrick (Kelly) Phalen, Denise (Mark) Stoermer, and Joseph (Michelle) Phalen; her grandchildren Kate (Kyle) Sanders and Christopher(Rachel) Belshe, John and Joseph Stoermer, and Andrew and William Phalen.
She will be remembered for her strength, independence, and wicked sense of humor. Jo Ann had a deep love for music — playing classical guitar in her younger years and finding joy in the sounds of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
Jo Ann Kennedy touched many lives with her generosity, warmth, and laughter. Though she will be deeply missed on this earth, her love will remain forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Forever our love, dearest Mom.
March 9, 1942 – October 30, 2025
Jo Ann Kennedy (Hubbard), beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. She was born on March 9, 1942, and lived a life defined by compassion, independence, and an unwavering commitment to others.
At the age of 19, Jo Ann began her lifelong career as a hairstylist — a calling that reflected her natural gift for connection and care. For nearly six decades, until her retirement at 78, she helped countless people feel seen, heard, and beautiful. Her chair was more than a place for a haircut — it was a place of kindness, laughter, and healing.
Beyond her work, Jo Ann was a woman of conviction and courage. A passionate advocate for social justice, she marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago during the late 1960s, standing firmly for equality and human dignity.
She loved the outdoors and embraced life’s adventures well into her seventies — kayaking, biking, and finding peace in nature. She especially loved Starved Rock, where her family will honor her wishes to have her ashes spread and to gather in celebration of her life.
Jo Ann is survived by her children Patrick (Kelly) Phalen, Denise (Mark) Stoermer, and Joseph (Michelle) Phalen; her grandchildren Kate (Kyle) Sanders and Christopher(Rachel) Belshe, John and Joseph Stoermer, and Andrew and William Phalen.
She will be remembered for her strength, independence, and wicked sense of humor. Jo Ann had a deep love for music — playing classical guitar in her younger years and finding joy in the sounds of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
Jo Ann Kennedy touched many lives with her generosity, warmth, and laughter. Though she will be deeply missed on this earth, her love will remain forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Forever our love, dearest Mom.
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