Patricia M. (O'Keefe) Kennedy, 91, of Worcester, died Saturday, March 13th at the home she shared with her daughter. Her husband of 47 years Edward F, Kennedy, Jr. died in 2005. Patricia is survived by two sons, Edward H. Kennedy of Worcester and Thomas F. Kennedy of West Boylston/Sterling; her daughter, Patricia A. Kennedy of Worcester; three granddaughters, Ashly Lynch and her husband John and son, Ryker of Townsend, Alexandra Kennedy of Draper, UT and Sydney Kennedy of West Boylston. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Margaret Carney of Worcester and Marjorie Millman of Dennis; and many nieces and nephews.
She was born in Woonsocket, RI. the beloved daughter of T. Harold and Patricia (Walsh) O'Keefe. She was a 1947 graduate of St. Xavier Academy in Providence and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee in 1951. After graduation, Patricia became an elementary school teacher at the East Woonsocket and Pothier Schools in Woonsocket. She married her husband, Edward in 1957, moved to Worcester and began teaching for the Worcester Public School system, teaching at Heard Street, Elizabeth Street and Norrback Avenue schools, and retired in 1984 after 26 years of teaching. In 2010 she relocated to Alexandria and Arlington, VA returning to Worcester in 2017 to be nearer to family. Prior to moving, Patricia was a long time member of St. Christopher Church, its choir, the Women's Guild and its Retired Club.
She was also a member of the Massachusetts Retired Teacher Association, and a Legacy Member of the Elms College Alumnae Association. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed knitting prior to her long-term battles with glaucoma and arthritis. Patricia also enjoyed frequent theater days in Washington, DC and in Worcester.
The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Salmon VNA and Hospice for their kindness and the care that enabled Patricia to spend her final days at home.
Her funeral will be held Wednesday, March 17th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with her funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Christopher Church, 950 West Boylston Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. Patricia's calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 16th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.