Kennedy, Kathleen Davis. Born: 18 Sept 1950, Glendale, California. Died: 28 Sept 2021, Camden East, Ontario. Daughter of the late Rev. Clyde J Kennedy and Dorothy R G Kennedy. Survived by husband Jacob P Ellens; daughter Susannah Groen (Kevin; grandchildren Stella, Cole, and Luke) of Napanee; son Nicholas Ellens (Carrie; grandchildren Leila and Jacob) of Longmont, Colorado; sisters M Carolyn McIntire-Smyth (Harley Smyth) and J Lynne Kennedy (David Phelps); siblings-in-law Jessie Cooper (Justin), Dorothe Bonzo (Matthew), John Ellens (Elsie), and Peter Ellens (Lisa).
Prior to moving to Camden East, Kathleen lived in Washington state, New Jersey, Beirut, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, London (U.K.), Iowa, and Hamilton. After earning a Master’s in Journalism at UCLA, Kathleen worked as a copyeditor and feature writer, but primarily devoted her time and talents to making a loving home for her family. She loved singing in choirs, reading, following the Blue Jays (starting at their home opener in the snow), but most of all her Lord and Saviour. Six years ago, Kathleen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Through the grace of God, superb medical care at Kingston General Hospital (Dr. Biagi, Nurse Lou), scores of prayers, the love and support of friends and family near and far away, the advance of this horrible disease was paused.
Kathleen loved her Lord, was devoted to her family, invested heavily in friendships (many with those far away), and gave of her talents generously. As a mother, she worked tirelessly to raise her children and, as a grandmother (Nana), she invested deeply in the lives of each of her grandchildren. Grandchildren were a tremendous source of joy for her: she looked forward to hosting the ‘Beechwood gang’ for weekly dinners and embraced video calls to be able to read books to her granddaughter in Colorado.
During her time in Camden East, she contributed to the singing and liturgy of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church (Napanee), was a stalwart member of the Kingston Choral Society, contributed to several seasonal musical performances, and worked to promote the community through civic projects around Camden East, particularly through her efforts to save the local library. We know that many in each of these communities will miss her dearly.
The past weeks were filled with grief as the cancer that had been held at bay for six years coursed through her body. Through this time, we are thankful for the compassionate care from her palliative care team (particularly Nurse Jenn Steele and Dr. Bagg), and the prayers and support of family and friends.
Visitation will take place at Wartman Funeral Home – Napanee Chapel on Monday, October 4, 2021 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Funeral Service will take place at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Napanee on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 11:00 am. Social distancing and masks mandatory. Please RSVP if you wish to attend the service on Tuesday as there is limited capacity. Please RSVP under service details using the blue RSVP button on Kathleen’s obituary page or by email: info@wfhs.ca. A Christian Burial will take place at St. Luke’s Anglican Cemetery, Camden East.
In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations in memory of Kathleen to Pancreatic Cancer Canada and Morningstar Mission of Napanee.
“Nevertheless, though I am sometime afraid,
yet put I my trust in thee.” Ps. 56:3 (BCP).
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kathleen Davis Kennedy Tuesday September 28th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Napanee, Province: Ontario