Joanne Kost, beloved wife of husband Bob Kost, and former longtime resident of Newtown passed away after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s on Friday, March 15, with Bob at her side. For many years she managed her illness with grace, strength, and humor. Throughout her struggle family was most important to her.

Joanne was born on November 24, 1943, in New Britain, Conn., to Edward Klimkiewicz and Helen Matula Klimkiewicz. She grew up in New Britain and met her husband Bob while attending New Britain Senior High School.

Joanne was a creative artist. In addition to painting, she designed and made quilted wall hangings, many of which were featured in a national quilt magazine. Her work received compliments not only throughout the United States but Europe and Asia as well.

Joanne is survived by her husband Bob; son Dan, wife Nancy and children Maggie and Ryan; daughter Karen Haley, husband Rick and children Erin and Joe; son Jon, wife Cathy and children Katie, Allie and Jackson; her twin sister Marianne Anderson and family, and brother Peter Klimkiewicz and family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday March 20, at 10:30 am, in St Rose of Lima Church.

Joanne received excellent care and support from the aides, nurses and staffff at Danbury Regional Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Danbury Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810.

Funeral arrangements are in care of Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown.