Esther "Joan" Kennedy

Esther “Joan” (Murphy) Kennedy of Norwood, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 27, 2025.

Devoted wife of 57 years to Gerard “Jerry” Kennedy. Mother of her four children, Brian and his wife Eileen of Scituate, Kevin and his wife Tracey of Baltimore, Maryland, Matthew and his wife Stacy of Walpole, and Colleen and her husband Dan of Mansfield. Survived by her brother Joseph Murphy of Dublin, Ireland, and sister in law Maura Murphy of Kimmage, Ireland. Predeceased by sisters Kathleen and Mary, and twin brother Michael Murphy of Dublin, Ireland. Proud Nanny (grandmother) of Emma, Jackson, & Brolin Liljeblad, Cait & Clare Kennedy, and Kyle & Morgan Kennedy. Beloved Aunt Molly to many nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Joan was born and raised in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, Ireland. After losing her mother as an infant, she and her twin brother were raised by their aunt alongside cousins and siblings. She always reminded us that, although they didn’t have much as children, they were always surrounded by a lot of love. In 1967, she moved to the United States to live with her aunt in Brookline, where she met Jerry at an Irish dance. Joan and Jerry were longtime residents of Norwood, where they raised their 4 children. You’d hear Joan before you’d see her. What she lacked in height, she made up for with her personality. Wherever she went, she ruled the room, cracking jokes and bringing people together to share a laugh. Every holiday and family event became more full of life, joy, and happiness with her presence. There was no one she wouldn’t talk to, and she made everyone around her feel special.

Although we will miss her vibrant, loving personality, we take comfort knowing that she has reunited with her twin brother Michael in heaven, and know her legacy will live on through her 7 grandchildren that she loved dearly.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Esther's Mass of Christian Burial held for the repose of her soul, which will be celebrated on WEDNESDAY, December 3, 2025, at 11:00 am in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 547 Washington Street, Norwood, MA.

Visitation will be held privately.

Esther will be laid to rest at a later date in Highland Cemetery, Norwood.

Please omit flowers, memorial contributions in Esther’s name may be made to either St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or to Shriners Children’s directly at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/campaign/732353/donate?c_src=google&c_src2=gt-2025-brand&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=157828074&gbraid=0AAAAADy9t16oq1fo9_pAV5N-8vYYFn5S4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9I-0vfGVkQMV2jYIBR1FdiBnEAAYASAAEgI0VfD_BwE