Josephine Ann “Joann” Civella, 85, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026.

Joann lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication, kindness, and an unwavering love for those around her. She devoted 31 years of service to General Motors before retiring, building a legacy of hard work, reliability, and strength. She was also a proud union member of UAW Local 31.

She found great joy in bowling and was deeply involved in the sport throughout her life. In 1997, she was honored with induction into the KCUSBC Hall of Fame. She was a dedicated member of the Masters Bowling League as well as the Ladies Hodge Golf League, where she formed lasting friendships and created many cherished memories. She also enjoyed spending time on the golf course, another pastime that brought her happiness.

Joann had an immense and deeply compassionate love for animals, a reflection of her gentle and nurturing spirit. She cared for them with a tenderness that spoke to the depth of her heart, and that same quiet compassion extended to those around her. She had a natural ability to connect with others and made people feel seen, valued, and cared for. More than anything, she will be remembered for the way she loved. She showed that love in how she showed up for others—whether offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or quiet support when it was needed most.

She was strong, dependable, and generous in spirit—someone her family could always count on. Her presence brought comfort, and her absence will be deeply felt.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Josephine Bilello; her father, Nicholas Civella; her uncle, Anthony Manzo; her aunt, Jennie Manzo; her brother-in-law, Gordon Craig; her nephew, Jeff Heath; and her cousins, Johnnie Boulch, Rocco Manzo, Tommy Manzo, Barbara Jean Lantz, and Madeline Short.

She is survived by her loving wife, Catherine Wilson; her brother, Jerry Hensley; her nieces, Marty Heath (Terry Heath), Heather Maier (David Maier), Elaine Craig, and Deborah Craig; her great-nieces, Heather Patton (John Patton), Samantha Maier, and Alexis McKinley; her first cousins, Carol Vantrump, Sister Connie Boulch, Rozanna Cambiano (Mike Cambiano), Joanna Kemple (Bill Kemple), and Angela DiRaimo (Nick DiRaimo Jr.); her cousins, Jenny Zink (Bob Zink) and Nick DiRaimo III (Andrea DiRaimo); as well as many more beloved nieces and cousins.

A special and heartfelt acknowledgment is given to Alexis McKinley, who lovingly cared for Joann during the final years of her life, offering comfort, devotion, and unwavering support. The family would also like to extend a meaningful tribute to Joann’s Aunt Jennie and Uncle Tony Manzo, who lovingly raised her during the first six years of her life, providing love, care, and support that stayed with her always. Joann and her cousins shared a deep bond that grew into a sibling-like relationship over the years, rooted in love, loyalty, and shared memories. Her connection with her cousin Angela DiRaimo was especially strong and unwavering, a lifelong source of companionship and support. Joann also held a deep and enduring friendship with her very best friends in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Debbie Jackson and Gladys Starkey, who spoke with her often and kept both Joann and her wife close at heart no matter the distance. From her family, a final message we hold close to our hearts: “We love you more.”

Joann’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Heartland Hospice team, whose compassion and care provided great comfort to Joann and her loved ones during her final weeks of life.

She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, resilience, and warmth that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Service Details:Visitation will be held on May 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at Unity North, 1000 NE Barry Rd Kansas City MO 64155. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon for all attendees beginning at 12:00 p.m.