2
trees
planted in memory of Joanne Visney
Obituary for Joanne Visney
Joanne Visney, 82 years of age, and a resident of Winter Springs, Florida, left us on Monday, June 19, 2023 surrounded during her final days by the love of family and dear friends. She courageously faced the challenge of liver cancer and other ailments that she accepted, embraced, and fought as heroically as anyone could have. She left us to be with the Lord she loved. And in doing so, she left this world a much better place for her devoted time and talents with family, friends, and many loved ones.
Joanne was far more than just a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend. She was a woman of great character, compassion, and commitment. Her smile lit up a room, her conversation carried it and her love and laughter were felt by all who were fortunate to be around her. Another word to describe her? Cheerleader.
Joanne was born on April 27, 1941 in Grand Junction, Colorado and eventually moved to the Chicago area with her brother John and loving parents Bill and Margaret Harvey. She attended Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois and later Northern Illinois University.
Married to her first husband Kenneth Kann and living in Western Springs, Illinois, Joanne was the proudest mother of her two sons, Kraig, and Brian. A dedicated housewife and stay-at-home mom, she raised her children on the belief that enjoying the good in each day and making friends with the people around us while chasing our dreams and using our passions was the best way to make an impact in the world. And she treated neighbors and the friends of her children as if they, too, were her family.
Joanne was a teacher, without a teaching degree. She was heavily involved in the school system, volunteering in every way possible and helping with the many activities tied to her children. She did the same in opportunities with Grace Lutheran Church in LaGrange, Illinois where her family attended for many years and with various women’s organizations including the P.E.O. network she loved so much. And always, she was the devoted wife to her husband’s success.
In her many years married to David Visney and living in Southlake, Texas, Joanne truly found herself. She took her entrepreneurial talent to a new level with her business as a personal image enhancement advisor specializing in color analysis, makeup and skincare application, wardrobe planning, closet auditing, and personal shopping. She helped others to become their best professional selves. Together, Dave and Joanne traveled, entertained friends, and found new levels of faith through their church and their close church family.
Joanne lived the last five years of her life in Orlando, Florida with the goal of being closer to family and her three grandchildren. She lost her dear husband Dave to illness in 2020. But to her credit, she didn’t lose her way. She lived her final two years at The Savoy in Winter Springs, Florida where she found such great pleasure in meeting new friends and spent important time in social groups, continuing P.E.O., involved herself in book clubs and a bible study group, and worshiping at St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Oviedo, Florida.
Her grandchildren; Hailey, Trent, and Kendall were an even greater inspirational source of pride and great joy. Her stories about them were endless. Even while sick and unable to travel, her last few months included watching their biggest college graduation days through livestreams, beaming with pride. Seeing the moment of Hailey’s engagement from afar via Facetime gave her a moment she was forever waiting for.
Her recent 82nd birthday celebration may have been her last here on earth, but heaven has gained a woman who knew the word “celebrate” as well as anyone. Her life was about celebrating family and family milestones, celebrating her husband and her children, and celebrating with friends.
The Lord, however, was her best friend of all. And now, he has her right where she belongs – back amidst her parents, her husband Dave, and many of her friends. He also regained the life of the next big party he throws, and a loving person willing to do whatever is needed to make it more than just another gathering. She’ll be sure to make it a special experience for everyone in attendance and probably recruit some others to be there as well. That’s just who she was.
Joanne is survived by her sons; Kraig in Orlando, Florida, Brian (Melissa) in Chicago, Illinois, and her three grandchildren; Hailey, Trent, and Kendall.
A celebration honoring Joanne’s life will take place at The Savoy Gracious Retirement Living in Winter Springs, Florida on Sunday July 30th at 2pm. A service and life celebration will also be held at St. Laurence Church in Southlake, Texas on Saturday October 28th at 11am.
To plant a tree in memory of Joanne Visney, visit the Tribute Store.
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