Josephine M. Kennedy

Josephine Marion Kennedy, 83, a longtime resident of Kansas City North, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Kansas City Hospice House. Josephine was born on September 16, 1931, in Stanton, Wis., to John A. and Mary Jane (Fagnon) Gleason. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Jane Gleason; husband Arthur; daughter Julie Ann and brothers Edward, Irvin, Harvey, William, Kenneth, and Marcel; and sisters Mercedes Nelson, Mary Jane Mack and Adeline Peskar.

Josephine attended New Richmond High School and graduated with the class of 1949. Following graduation, she moved to Kansas City and attended Kansas City Business School. She excelled in secretarial skills and enjoyed short hand and typing to where she attained 100wpm. Through the years she provided administrative support to insurance agencies and owned and operated filling stations along with her husband Art. Along the way, Jo put her outgoing personality to good use selling real estate as an agent. As a self-starter with a keen eye for business opportunities Jo was always in motion. In 1995 she retired from Lake City Arsenal after 22 years of service.

Josephine was blessed growing up with a family of 14 in a small country farmhouse. During conversations she would always have a story or two to tell about life on the farm with 8 brothers and 5 sisters. Whether it was trekking through the snow to get to school, milking cows or bunking up with her siblings, she would always capture your attention.

Marrying her beloved husband, Arthur, in 1960 they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. She was deeply committed to family life and instilled strong Christian value and character in their four children. As a devoted mother she took great pride in raising her children. Josephine enjoyed cooking, sewing, dancing, playing cards and working in the garden. She was well known to have an amazing garden which grew the best sweet corn in town. Josephine reached out to others by volunteering in the school and church.

Josephine enjoyed spending time with her 7 grandchildren. It was common for her to put on the music and dance a jig or two. Popping popcorn on the stove, playing cards and sitting around the fire encased memories that will never be forgotten. Her ease of conversation and zest for life were signature trademarks and to those who knew her well, would always have a chuckle and say “now Josie”.

Throughout her life she maintained a simple and nurturing demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many.

Josephine is survived by her children, Arthur (Tonyia) Kennedy, Prairie Village, KS, John (Luci) Kennedy, Paola, KS and daughter Lurleen (Chris) Sobolik, Cedar Falls, IA. Josephine cherished her time with her grandchildren; Bridget, Katherine, Patrick, Conor, Christian, Madeline and Mitchell in which she will be deeply missed. Josephine is also survived by her brothers Walter Gleason of Stillwater, Minn., and Raymond (Donna) Gleason of River Falls; sisters Margaret (Forrest) Rowe of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Eleanor (Frank) Madsen of Elk River, Minn.; brother-in-law Paul Mack and sisters-in-law Helen Gleason and Dorothy Gleason, all of New Richmond, and Patricia Fleming (Kenneth Gleason) of Duluth; and many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held Friday, August 28 from 6pm to 8 pm at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 N.E. Vivion Road, Kansas City MO. A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, August 29 at 10am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 900 N.E. Shady Lane Drive Gladstone MO. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 5001 N.E. Cookingham Road, Kansas City MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City MO 64145.

(Arr: McGilley Antioch Chapel 3325 NE Vivion Rd. KCMO;www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com.)