In Celebration of

Elizabeth "Betty" Kennedy

April 13, 1923 -  December 21, 2018

The long goodbye has ended, peacefully for our mother on December 21st at the West Park Long Term Care Centre in Toronto at the age of 95. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Kennedy, devoted mother of David (Julie), Craig (Deborah), Grant (Lori) and Elaine Kozlov (Robert), proud grandmother of Allison Walker (Jake), Laura McMurphy (Kyle), Matthew Kennedy (Katherine), Shannon Kennedy and Alexandra Kozlov, great-grandmother of Henry, William, Stella and Hudson. Lovingly remembered by many cherished nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters Lillian, Eileen, Joan and brothers Donald, Earl, Gordon and Kenny.

Born and raised in the city of Toronto, Mom lived in her cozy Etobicoke home for almost 60 years before moving to Scarlett Heights Retirement Residence in 2016, and finally West Park LTC in March. During many of those busy years her days were spent with her beloved husband Joe, four energetic kids, many pets and part-time job sharing work as an executive secretary. Mom’s Shaw Business College skills and bright mind never ceased to amaze her employers. She typed like the wind, never a typo missed, always displaying courtesy and consummate professionalism.

Mom was a trained vocalist who in her early and wartime years belonged to the Toronto Operatic Society and sang in a ladies trio called The Cheerio Variety. She loved music, especially her operas live from The Met on the radio every Saturday, and her COC membership. She loved singing around the house, in the car and as a devout member of her church, Graceview Presbyterian. She loved old movies. A voracious reader, she loved the newspaper, poetry and good books, fiction and non-fiction, often with two or three on the go at the same time. She loved people and she loved hosting and feeding them. Other than being with family, nothing was more enjoyable for Mom than catching up with a friend or neighbour over a strong cup of tea. This was because she had genuine and active interest in the lives and well being of any and all who entered our house. It’s easy to see why Mom had many, many friends long before it was ever a thing on Facebook.

A line from Mom’s favourite opera, Madame Butterfly:
“Like a butterfly
she flutters and settles
with such quiet grace.”

Family and friends may visit at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of the Jane subway on Friday, January 4th from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm. Funeral service will be held at Graceview Presbyterian Church, 588 Renforth Dr., Etobicoke on Saturday, January 5th at 11am, reception to follow. Interment Sanctuary Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca
Our family would like to send many thanks to Dr. Peter Derkach and the team at West Park LTC who looked after Mom with such care and compassion in her final days. Tremendous thanks also to long-time family physician Dr. William Dymon, and upon his retirement, Dr. Joseph Kozak. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Graceview Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.

Guestbook 

(3 of 3)


BettyAnn Maki (A good friend.)

Entered December 29, 2018 from Thunder Bay, ON

Grant and family.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have such good memories of the Kennedy's. Beautiful family.
((()Hugs)))
Betty

Mirjana Suric (Friend)

Entered January 2, 2019 from Toronto

Dear Grant and Family, We"re so sorry for your loss. We know how much she meant to you. You always spoke about her and her love for life and people. . It is like we know her. Great lady with lots of good character and values for life. Stay strong.
Your Graphics Team Team in Polytainers :(:(:(

The Watson Family (friends)

Entered January 2, 2019

Dear Elaine, Rob and Alexandra,

We are all so sorry to hear of your sad loss. Your mom/grandma’s warmth, great love of music, strong spirit, and genuine interest in the lives of those around her are lasting and wonderful memories. May God comfort you and surround you with his peace. Lots of love from Natalie, Randy, Leah and Lara

Photos 

(5 of 91)