Agawam – 
Joanne Sundin Kelmel, 79, (1937 – 2016), died peacefully on December 4th. She had been a resident at Country Estates in Agawam for many years.
Joanne was born in Hartford Connecticut to her late parents, James and Alice Sundin. After graduating from high school in 1955, she worked as a secretary for many years at Hampden County Extension Service, Easter Seals and Noble hospital. Joanne could type 100 wpm and her kids were in awe, as they often coerced her to type their school papers.
In 1960, she married John Connor, where they raised their family in Westfield MA. Joanne loved to read, she loved knitting, crocheting, and she loved animals, once nursing back to health a stray, pregnant cat who had been shot by a BB Gun.
Joanne then married her second husband William Kelmel in 1991, and relocated to Indian Orchard MA. After Bill’s death in 2000, and in failing health, Joanne became a resident of Country Estates in Agawam where she met, and married her third husband, William Gross. She is preceded in death by her three husbands.
She leaves behind a brother James Sundin Jr, and wife Maureen Sundin, of East Hartford CT, daughters, Lisa Connor and husband Steven Goldberg of Reno NV, Gayle Franklin of Southwick MA, and Susan Marcoullier of Palmer MA. She also leaves behind three grandchildren; Kristen Hafford, of Palmer MA, Jessica Rene of Granville, MA and Brandon Franklin of Southwick MA. She also leaves behind 8 great-grandchildren.
As per Joanne’s wishes there will be no services. Because of her life-long love for animals, contributions may be made in Joanne’s name to the Dakin Human Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield MA 01101.
