Joan Kuendig

Joan T. Kuendig of Shaker Heights, Ohio, died on Thursday, December 29th, after being the victim of a traumatic collision. Joan was the daughter of Dominic and Florence Torello and was raised in Wallingford, Connecticut. She is survived by her children Patricia (Roger) of Park City, UT, William III (Jesse) of Minneapolis, MN, three beloved granddaughters Audrey (9), Simone (5), and Evelyn (2), her stepdaughters Martha (Jaspreet) and Amy (Sam) and their children Amelia, Elizabeth, Wyatt, Addie, and JP, Patricia's two rescue dogs Booger and Shooger Ray, and her sister, Carol.

Growing up in an Italian-American household, Joan felt most at home in the kitchen creating homemade meals and treats to nurture her children, friends, and grandchildren. Everyone who knew Joan loved what a feisty, independent, and hard-working woman she naturally was. Her caring, loving, nurturing heart was her driving force. Christmas was her favorite holiday, decorating her home with 5 Christmas trees, and each year baking her world famous Italian cookies that she shared with people near and far. She had an active community life with beloved friends from all periods of her life, particularly enjoying trips to Amish country, arts and craft fairs, and trips back home to Connecticut where she maintained deep ties. Her proudest accomplishment was raising her two children. She was their fiercest advocate even in their adulthood. She traveled regularly to be with her daughter, as recently as September when they enjoyed a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas. She was devoted to her granddaughters, visiting them regularly, checking in via Facetime, and sending frequent holiday packages with homemade goodies. She loved to notice how much they reminded her of her own children, and yet celebrated each of them for their individuality. She was known to her children's friends as a second mother who welcomed them in her home and showed genuine interest in their lives.

An open house reception to celebrate the life of Joan will be held on Saturday, January 7th, at the Brown-Forward Funeral Home in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The family will be there to greet visitors between 3-6pm.

Joan's family expresses their sincere gratitude to the nurses, providers, and staff of the Critical Care Unit at MetroHealth Medical Center. They worked tirelessly and lovingly to care for Joan and the family and held them up in their darkest moments. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in memory of Joan may be made to The MetroHealth Foundation for the Critical Care Pavillion Fund. 2500 W. MetroHealth Drive, Towers 135A, Cleveland, OH 44109-1998 or visit metrohealth.org/donate