Joan Marie Kennedy Wilson of Gainesville, Virginia, passed peacefully into the loving hands of God on May 4, 2026. Her kindness, adventurous spirit, and profound commitment to loving others touched countless lives, and her long career in education influenced thousands of futures.

Joan was born on June 7, 1945 in Annandale, Virginia, to William and Agnes Kennedy. She was raised in the Catholic Church and remained grounded in her faith throughout her life. She attended Notre Dame Academy in Washington, D.C., earned her undergraduate degree from Madison College for Women (now James Madison University), and later received a Master of Education in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia.

Joan married Steve Wilson on December 19, 1970. She was the loving mother to two daughters, Elizabeth Giertz and Tricia Jones. She was also a proud Nanna to Jazzy Jones, Elijah Jones, Maxwell Jones, Nathaniel Giertz, and Zachary Giertz. Her family was one of the great joys of her life. From penmanship lessons to beach vacations, she cherished every moment spent with them.

Mrs. Wilson, as she was affectionately known by her students, faculty, and colleagues, began her teaching career at a District of Columbia elementary school in Anacostia. She then devoted more than four decades to education in Prince William County Public Schools as both a teacher and principal. Deeply committed to her students, fellow teachers, and community, she was a longtime member of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals and The Giving Circle of Heritage Hunt. In addition to her work in education, Joan served children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Virginia.

Joan enjoyed traveling the world, reading, playing Scrabble and Mah-Jongg, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Her dedication to education, service to others, and love for her family left a quiet but lasting impact on all the lives she touched.

Joan is lovingly remembered by so many, including her daughters; grandchildren; sons-in-law Matthew Giertz and James Jones; sister, Phyllis Kennedy; brother-in-law, Arthur Simcox; niece, Laurel Simcox, her husband, Hermilio Iriarte, and their children, Jeanpier and Jeanfranco; and niece, Julia Perez, her husband, Christopher Perez, and their children, Jackson and Ryan.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 7401 St. Michael’s Lane, Annandale, Virginia. Inurnment will be held at 12:00 p.m. at National Memorial Park Cemetery at 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia, with a reception to follow.

If you would like to make a contribution in honor of Joan, the family requests that donations be made to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Virginia at virginiacasa.org. This was very near and dear to her heart.

Joan’s life was a gift to family, students, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will continue to live in the hearts of those she loved and served.