Ora F. Kenessey

Ora Newsome Foreman Kenessey died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at her home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Her husband, Frank, and eldest son, Rob, were at her bedside holding her hands. Ora was 96 years of age, just three weeks shy of her 97th birthday on October 10. She was diagnosed with dementia.

She leaves behind her dear husband, Frank Kenessey, and three sons from her first marriage to David A. Foreman, who predeceased Ora in 1970, Rob Foreman of Washington, D.C. and Fort Lauderdale, John Foreman of Pompano Beach, and Roy Foreman who predeceased his mother in 1971 following an automobile accident in Bryan, Ohio.

Ora was an extremely devoted mother to her family. She was the matriarch - a walking angel. She possessed a kindness and loving demeanor for anyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a great sense of humor.

Ora came from humble beginnings on a farm in Gaston, Northampton County, North Carolina. A daughter to Nettie and Zollie Newsome, whose ancestors were early settlers of Jamestown, Virginia in 1609. She was one of 16 children, and the last to pass into heaven.

At an early age, she left the farm for Washington, D.C. and started a new life where she met her first husband, David A. Foreman. He was in the hotel and restaurant business, and managed major, high-end hotel and golf properties. They moved from Washington, D.C. to Lynchburg, Richmond, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and Bryan, Ohio. Following the deaths of her husband and son Roy, Ora and her remaining two sons returned to Fort Lauderdale. She started a small thrift shop called "Soup to Nuts," and loved going to yard and estate sales collecting a variety of pottery and keepsakes.

In 1996 she met and married Frank Kenessey of Port St. Lucie. She is the grandmother to three beautiful and gifted grandchildren -Laura, Lindsay and David -raised by proud parents John and Susan Foreman. She adored her grandchildren and they adored her. Ora Foreman Kenessey led an exemplary life as a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many folks.

She attended church services regularly until illness limited her mobility. She loved Jesus and knew one day she would be reunited with those who predeceased her, and with the Lord.

In spite of personal tragedies, she persevered with grace and dignity, and with a beautiful warmth both in character and appearance. She loved to fish, tell jokes, have a glass of Pinot Grigio at times, cook cheese and eggs for breakfast, and chicken and dumplings for dinner, and to be with her family. Ora and Frank had 27 years of unparalleled happiness. They proudly raised vegetables and flowers in their home garden, and doted over their beloved dog, Lacey, who passed away several years ago.

From her early days on the farm in North Carolina to her final days in Florida, Ora exemplified the intelligent, successful, loving and beautiful woman she was and for whom she will always be remembered. May the goodness she brought in unconditional love and devotion serve as an inspiration to her family and to future generations of Ora Newsome Foreman Kenessey.

With profound love and forever in our hearts…God bless you.