In Memoriam: Joan (Griffin) Kavanagh, 1953-2023
Mrs. Kavanagh is a former President of the Independent Insurance Assoc. of Hampden County
Joan G. (Griffin) Kavanagh, 69, of Suffield, CT., and formerly of Springfield, MA., passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Baystate Medical Center after a brief illness.
Joan was born in Springfield, on August 19, 1953, the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Downes) Griffin. Joan graduated in 1971 from Cathedral High School and built a career spanning more than 50 years in insurance, reaching leadership positions at Haberman Insurance Group and Towne Insurance Agency. She was a past President of the Independent Insurance Assoc. of Hampden County and long served the community as a certified counselor and licensed advisor.
Even with all of Joan’s individual accomplishments, she dedicated her life to supporting others – most of all her children and grandchildren, all of whom she was tremendously proud of. She could always be found cheering on the sidelines of every sports event or academic achievement and even served as the President of the Central High School Football Booster Club for 8 years.
In her spare time Joan loved cooking, entertaining, and socializing with beloved family and friends. Joan’s integrity, sense of humor, and personable nature brought her a life filled with many long-lasting and diverse friendships. She will always be remembered for the generosity, kindness, and charity she extended universally. She was the epitome of selflessness.
Joan is survived by devoted children Kerry Wiley and her husband John, Brendan Kavanagh and his wife Jessica, all of Suffield, CT., and Sean Kavanagh and his wife Anna of Roverto, Italy. She is also survived by siblings Jack Griffin, Mary McLaughlin and Mary’s husband Dan, all of Springfield. She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Flebotte but is survived by Patricia’s husband, Vic Flebotte, of Palm Coast, FL. She will be remembered by her adored grandchildren John, Elizabeth, Ailish, Finn, Viviana and Camilla.
Joan’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 8:45 AM. from the Byron Keenan Funeral Home, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 AM. in Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Road, Springfield where Joan was long a congregant and for 20 years severed as a lector. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, April 10, 2023, from 4p.m-6p.m at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission.
Condolences can be left on the Byron Keenan Funeral Home website.
