Joan E. (Kenney) Vinal

DRACUT - Joan E. (Kenney) Vinal, 89, a resident of Dracut died Sunday, October 10, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederic A. Vinal, who passed away in 1979.

She was born in Lowell on January 7, 1932, and was a daughter of the late Elizabeth (Conley) and John Kenney.

Joan was brought up in Lowell and graduated from St. Patrick High School and then the former Lowell State Teachers College. She then embarked on her career as an elementary school teacher working in the Dracut school system for 33 years.

In her retirement Joan was very active in St. Francis Parish Dracut. She was involved in numerous ministries. From welcoming new parishioners to guiding grieving families through funeral planning, she extended warmth and compassion. She served on the St. Francis Parish Staff, Altar Society, Widow & Widower's Group, Eucharistic Minister, Homebound & Nursing Home Visitor, Rosary Group, St. Francis Women's Connection, Parish Show Group, Liturgical Ministry Coordinator, Mercy Meal Team and Parish Pastoral Council. She was a devoted parish leader and attended all parish events, developed long-time friendships and was always willing to help whenever needed.
 
Joan also received one of the highest honors in the Catholic Church for lay people. The Bishop Cheverus Medal. This is awarded annually by the Cardinal to lay persons who have served the parish well over an extended period of time in a quiet, unassuming manner.

Joan enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Mount Pleasant Golf Club for many years. She was a member of the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts where she served on their board of directors, and as their secretary. She was also a member of the League of Catholic Women, Ancient Order of Hibernians (Lady Hibernians). She was also active in the town of Dracut and helped with their Library Enrichment Program.

Joan is survived and will be deeply missed by her three sons, Frederic Vinal and his wife Debra of Tyngsboro, Lee Vinal and his wife Pamela of Dracut and Steven Vinal and his wife Janet of Tyngsboro; her seven grandchildren, Kristen, Laura, Nicole, Eric, Katelyn, John and Karen; her great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Mason, Finnley, Easton, Jackson, Vinny, and Evelyn; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her two brother-in-laws, Richard and George Vinal and her sister-in-law, G. Marie Hicks.

Joan's family would like to thank Janet Meyers for her help and support in her final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joan's Life Celebration on Friday, October 15th from 4 until 8 PM at ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 16th at 10:30AM at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Burial to follow in Richardson Cemetery, Dracut. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's memory to St. Francis Scholarship Fund, PO Box 609, Dracut, MA 01826.