Joan (Baffone) Kanicki

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our amazing mother and grandmother, Joan Baffone Kanicki, who passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She was 88 years old.

A devoted homemaker, Joan built her life around faith, family, and unconditional love.  Her home was always warm and welcoming — her amazing home-cooked meals (and cheesecake), the sound of laughter, and the comfort of her presence made it a place of peace for everyone who entered.  She chose how she spent her time wisely always doing what she loved - volunteering at school, leading a Girl Scout Troop, caring for her grandchildren, bowling, shopping and visiting Delaware Park.  Her favorite travels included summers at Bethany Beach, trips to Disney World, and Phillies Spring Season.  She was a long-standing member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in New Castle, Delaware.

She was the heart of our family — always present, always cheering, always proud. From dance recitals, to lacrosse and basketball games, Mom-Mom never missed a moment.  Rain or shine, she was there in the front row with a beaming smile and words of encouragement.  Her support was unwavering, and her joy in her family’s accomplishments was truly inspiring.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her daughter and cherished grandchildren, who were the light of her life and the joy of her days.  Joan's spirit lives on in each of them, in every hug, every laugh, and every family gathering.  Her heart was big and selfless and she lived even in her final days with grace and a lively spirit that made everyone smile.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Kanicki Yanick and son-in-law, Don Yanick; grandchildren Brittany Yanick Meehan (Jack), Sydney Yanick and Nathan Yanick and her sister, Flossy Hasson (Chuck). She was predeceased in death by her husband, Edward Kanicki; parents Nicholas and Florence Baffone; sister, Rosalie Simione and brothers, Nicholas Baffone, Jr., Francis Baffone, Robert Baffone and Albert Baffone.  Joan will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Over the last several years, she was lucky to also have the care and support of the wonderful staff at HaborChase - The Cove (Wilmington, DE) and Bayada Hospice. They always brought a smile to her face.

Mom, your love will forever be the foundation of our family.

Services and interment in Delaware Veteran Memorial Cemetery will be private.

Memorial donations in Joan's memory may be made to Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware, click to donate

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan (Baffone) Kanicki, please visit our floral store.