Joan Landry Kinch

Joan Landry Kinch, 91, died March 5 in Tallahassee after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to Daniel and Marion Gibbs Landry and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, she attended Catholic school for K-12 and was an avid piano player. Joan graduated from Becker College in 1950 and her yearbook described her this way—“A dynamic personality…forever having her seat changed in class…yeah, let’s eat!” Her ability to weave a story was surpassed by few as she took listeners on long winding journeys. Joan and her husband of 38 years met on a blind date in their hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts and married in 1957. Over the next 8 years they welcomed 5 children and in 1969 the busy parents of five headed south to Tallahassee and warmer weather. Joan became involved in her children’s activities, the community—especially her Springtime Tallahassee Krewe, her church, and her career with the Department of Environmental Protection. Although she embraced life in Tallahassee, her Massachusetts accent never left her, and most people knew immediately she was not from around here! Active in various parent groups at Leon High School, she enjoyed the many young people who frequented the Kinch household as guests of her children. She and Fred chaperoned high school events and Joan’s parasailing exploits while on the 1984 Leon High chorus trip were legendary. Her love of God and her Catholic faith sustained her through many of life’s joys and challenges, and she remained an active member of St. Thomas Moore Co-Cathedral until recently. Her own life journeys led her to serve for many years as the St. Thomas Moore’s bereavement committee chair which meant calling on those in the congregation who were experiencing loss. Always ready for a laugh and a joke, Joan knew no strangers and could be relied upon to brag about her children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen. Her family is grateful for her life, but relieved she is at rest. She leaves behind five children, including Lisa Kinch Waxman (Bernie), Fred Kinch (Abby), Patty Kinch Dever (John), Dan Kinch (Ruth), and Marty Kinch Towey (Ed). Grandchildren celebrating her life include Devin Kinch, Brandon Kinch (Natasha), Gabrielle Waxman, Zac Dever (Mandy), Daniel Kinch, Caitlin Dever, John Towey, Colleen Towey, Laura Anne Kinch, Sella Kinch, Gray Kinch, and Logan Kinch. Great grandchildren include Paige Kinch, Alice Kinch (along with their mother, Abby), and Lucy Dever. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred, and grandson Joseph Kinch. The family will receive visitors at Bevis Funeral Home on Monday evening, March 8 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a rosary at 6:45. A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Moore Co-Cathedral on Tuesday, March 9 at 10:00 AM. Should friends desire, memorial contribution can be made to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, ccnwfl.org. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Joan Landry Kinch

October 1, 1929 - March 5, 2021