Patricia L. Kennedy
Feb 28, 1933 - Aug 30, 2015
Patricia Kennedy, loving mother and caring friend, passed away on August 30 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 82.
Patty was a native and long resident of San Mateo County. She was born on February 28, 1933 in the old Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto. She grew up on Seville Way in San Mateo where she attended St. Matthew elementary school. She was a graduate of Mercy High School in Burlingame and also attended the College of Notre Dame in Belmont.
At the age of 20, Patty married her high school sweetheart, George Kennedy on June 13, 1953. Together they raised 4 children in San Mateo and Belmont. Patty was often heard to say that she was born to be a mother. She gave it her all.
Patty was in some ways a study in contrasts: always beautiful and elegant, but happiest as a dedicated home-maker and avid gardener. When her children were grown, she added work to her activities as a top sales representative at Nordstrom in Hillsdale. Throughout her life, she modeled service to others, volunteering with a number of charitable organizations.
Patty loved to travel and did so extensively. She was able to travel throughout Europe on many occasions, and enjoyed her annual road trips to Oregon to visit extended family whom she dearly loved.
Patty showed great strength and courage as a breast cancer survivor. She needed further courage in facing the struggles that stemmed from Alzheimer’s disease. Those who spent time with her in this period will know that love of family, humor, and her faith abided until the end.
Patty is survived by her four children, Father Kevin Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy, Susan Kennedy, and Julie Kennedy (Ron Adler); her two grandchildren Katherine Au-Foote and Christina Shima; three great grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Diane Miller and Jarrott Miller; and their children Jennifer, Jeffrey, and Jarrott.
On Friday September 4, a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Matthew Church in San Mateo at 10:30 a.m.
The family appreciate your love and friendship. In remembrance of Patty the family suggests donations to organizations dedicated to the fight against Alzheimer’s or cancer.