Marie Kennedy, 79, died peacefully on Thursday, March 3 with family surrounding her.
She was born in Yardell, Arkansas, the eldest of seven children. At 12 years of age she moved to Anderson, Missouri where she graduated Anderson High School and was very involved in music as a baton twirler and majorette, a member of the singing quartet, cheerleader and school plays in the drama department. She also was a member of the church choir every Sunday.
After graduating, she worked for the telephone company as an operator and at the same high school as a secretary. She later married and with her infant daughter, moved to California, and had three other children. She became a single parent, re-educated herself and began working for the Oakdale/Riverbank School districts, which became her career for 30 years. She was honored as secretary of one year, worked as registrar, secretary to the principal, and later to the counselors in the career center.
She was involved in the events planned for the school and many other various areas she enjoyed to volunteer. She retired in 1996 and was still a current member of the CSEA. She was also a member of the Emblem Club.
She re-married in 1970 to Jerrold ‘Bud’ Kennedy, moved to Turlock and added two stepsons to the family. She and her husband celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last July.
Mrs. Kennedy’s passions were her family, cooking, gardening, and travel. She and her husband enjoyed taking their fifth wheel annually to Klamath, into Oregon and Arizona for extended vacations.
She was a beloved wife and sister, a cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is loved and remembered for her smile she would give, no matter what her day would bring.
She is survived by her husband, Jerrold ‘Bud’ Kennedy; children, Vicki (Dan) Lozano of Modesto, Michael (Sheri) McCoy of Mesa, AZ, Gale (Ron) Sawyer of Manteca, Ronald McCoy of Crows Landing; stepsons, Jeffrey (Debbie) Kennedy of Modesto, Brian (Kathy) Kennedy of Turlock; brothers, JR (Janice) Pratt, William ‘Bill’ (Sandy) Pratt; sisters, Fern (Mark) Cooper, Bertha (James) Bush, Glenna Lassiter, all of Missouri; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Arvil and Robbie Marie Pratt; and youngest sister, Sue Pratt.
Visitation is from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 10 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 North Soderquist Road, Turlock. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11 at Turlock Funeral Home with immediate burial after the services.
Remembrances may be made in her honor to Community Hospice Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95350.
Turlock Memorial Park in charge of arrangements.
