Joan Kendall

Joan Theresa Kendall, 93, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late James R. Kendall.

Born on September 19, 1931, in Norwalk, Connecticut, Joan was the daughter of the late William and Christine (Eek) Horvath.

Joan was an incredibly outgoing and engaging woman. She had a special gift for striking up conversations with just about anyone, and she was known for her uncanny-and often successful-ability to request a hug, even from complete strangers. A lifelong lover of romance and mystery novels, she also enjoyed many hobbies over the years. She sang in community choirs, tackled crossword puzzles, and took great pride in keeping an immaculate home-especially during the holidays.

A talented knitter, Joan was best known for her colorful and cozy socks, which she lovingly crafted for friends and family. In the 1960s, she worked as a substitute teacher at a high school in Huntsville, Alabama. In the 1970s and '80s, she worked for Sears and Roebuck in Middletown, and later as a receptionist at Aquidneck Medical Associates in Newport, where she remained until her retirement.

But above all, Joan's greatest joy in life came from spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children: Kristy (Chris) Kerins of Jacksonville, FL; Robert (Cindy) Kendall of Middletown, RI; Bradford (Leigh) Kendall of Rumford, RI; and Gregory (Connie) Kendall of Amherst, MA. She was a cherished grandmother to nine grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Donald Horvath, Dorothy Best, and Marge DeBruyker.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, James Kendall, and her parents, William and Christine Horvath.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to be determined. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport, Rhode Island.

Online tributes and memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhome.co (http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com/)