Obituary for Mary V. "Jill" Kennedy (Barrett)
Mary V. “Jill” (Barrett) Kennedy(91)
Of Reading, former 46-year resident of Winchester, died peacefully with her family by her side on May 21, 2021. The beloved wife of the late William J. “Bill” Kennedy, she will fondly be remembered for her resilience and loving connection with those who crossed her path and filled her life.
Married for 66 years, Jill’s bright blue eyes, warm smile and outward enthusiasm complemented Bill’s quiet demeanor. His progressive illness and recent death were hardships she managed with love, perseverance and a bit of humor. Jill didn’t take herself too seriously, which may explain why the family Christmas tree often found a second life as Valentine’s Day floral decor. She relished any and all chances to celebrate and photograph all family celebrations, holidays, life accomplishments, recitals, races, awards and any other events that would allow for cake, decorations and color-coordinated attire. The age of digital photography was a godsend to her and the family.
In addition to roles as wife, mother, and grandmother, outside work experience transformed “Jill” into “Mary”, working for the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles before marriage, and then after her children were enrolled in school, returned to work at Tufts University and Brandies University up until her retirement. Mary held unofficial recognition as a lifelong friend to many coworkers, neighbors, and Lowell-area childhood friends. Mary was a faithful parishioner of St. Eulalia Church of Winchester, enjoyed summer days with family at the Winchester Swim and Tennis Club and the Winchester Boat Club, and often could be found with her “bridge friends” on a Wednesday evening.
Daughter of Mary A. (Haley) and John J. Barrett Sr., and sister to John J. Barrett Jr., all deceased. She leaves behind her four children: Maryellen Kennedy and her husband Barry Gleason of Cape Elizabeth, ME; Mark and his wife Sheila Kennedy of Wilmington, MA; Maura and her husband Charlie Adams of Reading, MA and Matthew and his wife Kerri Kennedy of Londonderry, NH.
“Oma”, as she was known to her twelve grandchildren, is also survived by Caroline, Maggie and Tom Gleason; Ryan, Colin and Timothy Kennedy; Catherine and Will Adams; and Kathleen Garen, Colleen, Matthew Jr. and Michael Kennedy.
Visitation will be held at the Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St., (Rte 38) WINCHESTER on Wednesday, May 26th from 9:30-10:30am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Eulalia Church, 50 Ridge St., Winchester at 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend, covid protocols will be in place. The Mass will be live streamed, to view please visitsainteulalia.org/live-stream
The Interment will be at the Wildwood Cemetery, 34 Palmer St, Winchester, MA immediately following the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William J. and Mary V. Kennedy to St. Eulalia Church 50 Ridge St. Winchester, MA 01890 or to the Home Base Program, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 (online at homebase.org/donate).
Of Reading, former 46-year resident of Winchester, died peacefully with her family by her side on May 21, 2021. The beloved wife of the late William J. “Bill” Kennedy, she will fondly be remembered for her resilience and loving connection with those who crossed her path and filled her life.
Married for 66 years, Jill’s bright blue eyes, warm smile and outward enthusiasm complemented Bill’s quiet demeanor. His progressive illness and recent death were hardships she managed with love, perseverance and a bit of humor. Jill didn’t take herself too seriously, which may explain why the family Christmas tree often found a second life as Valentine’s Day floral decor. She relished any and all chances to celebrate and photograph all family celebrations, holidays, life accomplishments, recitals, races, awards and any other events that would allow for cake, decorations and color-coordinated attire. The age of digital photography was a godsend to her and the family.
In addition to roles as wife, mother, and grandmother, outside work experience transformed “Jill” into “Mary”, working for the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles before marriage, and then after her children were enrolled in school, returned to work at Tufts University and Brandies University up until her retirement. Mary held unofficial recognition as a lifelong friend to many coworkers, neighbors, and Lowell-area childhood friends. Mary was a faithful parishioner of St. Eulalia Church of Winchester, enjoyed summer days with family at the Winchester Swim and Tennis Club and the Winchester Boat Club, and often could be found with her “bridge friends” on a Wednesday evening.
Daughter of Mary A. (Haley) and John J. Barrett Sr., and sister to John J. Barrett Jr., all deceased. She leaves behind her four children: Maryellen Kennedy and her husband Barry Gleason of Cape Elizabeth, ME; Mark and his wife Sheila Kennedy of Wilmington, MA; Maura and her husband Charlie Adams of Reading, MA and Matthew and his wife Kerri Kennedy of Londonderry, NH.
“Oma”, as she was known to her twelve grandchildren, is also survived by Caroline, Maggie and Tom Gleason; Ryan, Colin and Timothy Kennedy; Catherine and Will Adams; and Kathleen Garen, Colleen, Matthew Jr. and Michael Kennedy.
Visitation will be held at the Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St., (Rte 38) WINCHESTER on Wednesday, May 26th from 9:30-10:30am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Eulalia Church, 50 Ridge St., Winchester at 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend, covid protocols will be in place. The Mass will be live streamed, to view please visitsainteulalia.org/live-stream
The Interment will be at the Wildwood Cemetery, 34 Palmer St, Winchester, MA immediately following the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William J. and Mary V. Kennedy to St. Eulalia Church 50 Ridge St. Winchester, MA 01890 or to the Home Base Program, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 (online at homebase.org/donate).