Joan Richter Kennedy

Joan Richter Kennedy, loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on September 17, 2024, at home at the age of 91. Joan was born to Aleen and Otto Richter on January 29, 1933. She was a descendant of San Antonio’s founding Canary Island families. Joan and Pat were married on January 26, 1952, and this would begin a lifetime marriage that lasted nearly 73 years.

Joan was dedicated to Pat and their family to whom she provided unending love, care and support. She will be remembered for her grace, wit and warmth, not just by her many friends but all who she encountered. Joan loved the many hunting trips to South Texas and especially fishing trips to Colorado and Alaska. She was always eager to entertain family and friends at home. The Texas Hill Country was near and dear to her heart where she and Pat spent many happy days together. Joan was supportive in Pat’s numerous business, civic and professional activities and she thoroughly enjoyed traveling to the Preferred Hotels Worldwide meetings and conferences.

Joan was a devout Roman Catholic. She was a longtime member of The Charity Ball Association, The Battle of Flowers Association, Green Hand Garden Club and St. Monica’s Guild.

Joan cherished the many friends that she and Pat and family shared. The family extends our sincere thanks to all those friends and family who brought joy to her wonderful life. The family wishes to thank all who provided personal and medical assistance to her as well as spiritual strength especially during the past few years.

She is survived by her husband Patrick Joseph Kennedy, eight children: Patrick Kennedy Jr (Kathleen), Michael Kennedy, Brendan Kennedy, Kevin Kennedy (Kelly), Kathleen Kennedy, Grace Kennedy, Mary Kennedy Ballantyne and Sharon Kennedy Funk (Tommy); also 18 grandchildren Moira Kennedy Hogan (Doug), Patrick Kennedy III (Molly), Philip Kennedy (Emerald), Francis Kennedy (Dani), Meghan Cano (Juan), Sean Kennedy (Amanda), Charles Kennedy, Joan Kennedy, Katherine Kennedy, Sarah Endres, Laura Endres, Elizabeth Ballantyne Smith (Graham), Mary Catherine Ballantyne, Jack Ballantyne, Kate Ballantyne Cler (Liam), William Bray, Davis Bray and Philip Bray and 17 great-grandchildren. Joan is also survived by her brother Thomas Richter, (Joy) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Kab Ballantyne, sisters Rosalie Richter Bolner, Barbara Richter Hajek, Christina Richter Engels and brother Otto Richter Jr.

A Mass will be celebrated for Joan on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church, 111 Barilla Pl, San Antonio, Texas 78209 at 11:00 a.m.

The family requests that any memorials be directed to the charity of your choice.