Obituary of Barbara Ann Kennedy

Our beloved sister, Barbara Ann Kennedy, left her body peacefully, at home in her own bed. After having a nice dinner out with her Washington "family of choice", she passed away as a result of end stage renal disease on Monday, September 23rd, 2013. Barby was born in Washington, DC, September 4th, 1952, the second of four daughters born to Dr. Julien C. and Marjorie H. Kennedy. Growing up as an "Army brat" she also lived in California, Panama, and Colorado before the family settled in Marshall, Texas. She earned her LVN degree while in Marshall and enjoyed working with patients and teaching nursing care in different settings. She moved to Washington state in 1982 and eventually developed an extended family including her dear friends Kathi Craig and children Andrea, Ryan & Julie; and Alda & Joe Steele. Barby enjoyed being involved with different activities at her church home, Grace Lutheran in Tacoma, and among other things knitted many hats with her church knitting circle to donate to the local cancer society. Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by sisters Paloma (Patty) Kennedy of Austin, TX; (Mary) Buffy Kennedy of Conroe, TX; and Janie & Cliff Fontenot of Brenham, TX. Nephews and nieces are Adam Sandoval, Jessica Fontenot, Taylor Fontenot, and Edward Grigassy. Additional "adopted" family includes Margie Miller Orr and Amanda Norwood. Barby had a zest for life and she valiantly faced multiple health challenges, particularly related to diabetes and renal disease. A special thank you to her doctors, medical care team, and pastor Jim Matthews, who all cared for her so well. Barby had a way of making people feel valued, she had a great sense of humor, and her incredible memory was the source of many fits of laughter as she recited and sang funny songs and poems from our childhood and popular media. While our hearts are heavy, and we miss her terribly, we remember the blessings of being her sisters, and all the love, joy and courage she shared with us. So glad you're resting in peace now, dear Barby, we love you always. As Barby would always end our phone calls, "Kiss and hug everyone for me." A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church of Tacoma on Saturday, October 26th, 2013, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the church she loved and which ministered to her so well and in so many ways: Grace Lutheran Church Social Ministries Fund 6202 S. Tyler Street Tacoma, WA 98409