Mrs June Evelyn Kennedy

I want to pay tribute to mom for all the things she taught me, for all the things she did for me, for all the different ways she loved me and for the many ways I loved her. To other folks my mom was a manicurist, a cook, a great entertainer, and a friend; but her most important role to me was as my mom and grandmother to my kids.

Mom was not only my mom, but she was like a sister and best friend to me. I loved her for the fact that I could tell her anything and she would always listen. She was also a fantastic cook! All of my high school buddies can attest to that! From roasted lamb and beef to spaghetti and stews, I couldn't get enough. My all time favorites were eggs, beans and chips and she made a killer potato salad. She loved to read so much that she belonged to a book club and was constantly solving crossword puzzles. She read at least two books a week and normally had two other books going at the same time. She knitted for a period time, making blankets for all the grand kids and of course as anyone who knew her would say, she loved her typhoo and PG Tips tea because everything is better with a cup of tea!

My mom and dad lived in a variety of places while dad, Edward Kennedy, served in the Air Force. They lived in France and England, as well as Ohio, Virginia and Massachusetts. Mom and Dad made many friends over the world, but mom was truly invested with, "The British Wives Club" . She made so many friends and was very comfortable with the ladies from her homeland. She would often travel with her English friends to far away places such a sipping s to California to see the Queen Mary II, Mackinaw, Michigan and other locations. They would always gather to celebrate holidays and special occasions while - always with her friends and a "spot of tea". Many times the club traveled throughout the northeast of the US to meet other English ladies from Virginia, D.C. to Richmond and Maryland. I loved how my mom traveled and was always ready for the next adventure!

There is one skill that my mom did NOT possess- navigating while driving! One day while living on Cape Cod when I was about 12 we heading back from the synagogue, what should have been a 20 minute drive, turned into 6 hour trip home. We went over the Bourne and Sandwich bridge at least 4 times each. At one point we crossed the state line into Connecticut. No cell phones back then, dad was scared something serious happened. Once we got home we explained what occurred, he could not believe it and laughed so hard afterwards he nearly peed his pants.

I believe her most favorite time was when we lived in Felixstowe, England, just two hours from her mom in London. It was always a fun time playing a card game call kluki (similar to rummy). We would laugh and talk about the things going on in the world. I would go to the corner pub with dad and my grandfather we would discuss the military, politics and whatever came up and shoot a few games of darts while enjoying a nice pint. I also remember a time when both my dad and I were in casts because of our sports injuries. My grandparents planned a trip to give my mom a break from taking care of the two of us and then it happened....mom slipped about two weeks prior to heading to London and broke her wrist....so the three of us were in casts at the same time....no one got a break , except for our bones!!!. We always laughed about that.

She was ever so excited when she first became a grandma to Brittany, Brock and Blake!!! She spoiled her grandkids to pieces. She enjoyed the weekends and the soccer matches and baseball games. She was a very dedicated grandmother. She would take care of her grandbabies even while I was working in Spain. I loved how much she loved my kids.

I love how my mom lived her life and enriched the lives of those she touched (She was even loved by those folks that cared for her towards the end of her life. They affectionately referred to her as their "Queen"). I can find comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and is with the loves of her life, my dad and all her beautiful dogs, Bonnie and Clyde, Charlie and Winston. I will miss you and will never forget your passion for life Mom! I only wish she could have had more time to spend with the great grandbabies she truly missed out on that due to her illness. We love you Mom,

Your loving Son

Louis Kennedy; Son of June E. Kennedy.