Obituary of JoAnne Kearns

JoAnne Kearns, of Glen Mills PA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, passed away on February 11, 2021.

Forever remembered as a loving grandmother, an incredible mother, and a devoted wife, JoAnne brought endless smiles and happiness to so many. All who knew her were blessed to have her in their life and are forever better by the example she showed.

Born in San Diego, CA, and raised in Royersford, PA, to the late John and Victoria (nee Chase) Kepler, JoAnne graduated from Spring-Ford High School in 1959 and then attended West Chester State College, where she graduated from in 1963 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. It was there that she met and fell in love with her husband, William Kearns, Jr, and were married in 1964. Their marriage of 57 years was filled with love, family, friends, vacations, and many adventures.

JoAnne taught at the elementary level in Pennsylvania and Delaware for six years and then spent time raising her family, first in Newark, DE, and then later in Media, PA. She returned to school and earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Delaware in 1980, and then went on to work as a teacher and educational diagnostician in the Colonial School District in New Castle, DE, for twenty-one years until her retirement in 2000. As a teacher and a colleague, JoAnne will always be remembered by her students and fellow teachers as an engaging teacher and an esteemed educator.

JoAnne was known for her delicious Christmas cookies, her wonderful collection of family photos and memories, and for her lifelong love of books and reading. She especially enjoyed spending time in Florida during the winter months, cheering on her grandchildren in their many activities from the sidelines or audience, and practicing her Catholic faith in all that she did.

JoAnne is survived by her husband, William; their three children William (Rachel) Kearns, John (Bernadette) Kearns, and Kelly (William) Kane; and eight grandchildren Owen, Kyle, Aidan, Connor, and Finley Kearns and Matthew, Madelyn, and Michael Kane.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 19th at 10:30AM at St. Francis de Sales Church, 35 New Road, Lenni, PA 19052, preceded by a visitation from 9:30AM to 10:15AM at the church.

Interment to follow for family and close friends at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.