"i will miss my Mamaw!!!Ruff, ruff.p.s. Mamaw....I'm sorry i wet the carpet in your bedroom!"
In loving memory of
Frances L. Kennedy
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Frances L. Kennedy, 83, of Indianapolis, passed away on March 12, 2009. She was born on November 20, 1925 to Lorene and James Meredith in Tennessee and was married for 49 years to William E. Kennedy, Jr. who preceded her in death. She was the former Chairman of the Board of Kennedy Tank and Manufacturing serving on the Boards of Directors of all the Kennedy companies in Indiana and Kentucky.
Fran had been a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for 47 years, transferring to St. Luke parish when she moved from Meridian-Kessler. All of her children were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary. She was a member of St. Vincent Hospital Guild, Benefe?Guild, St. Augustine Guild, The White River Yacht Club, a 50-year member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club and Highland Golf and Country Club where she and her family enjoyed many wonderful years golfing, dining, and celebrating holidays.
Fran will be remembered as a woman of elegance and grace, a consummate entertainer and hostess, and the matriarch of a family who cherished their holidays, especially St. Patrick?s Day, the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, and Christmas. Anyone who passed the family home of nearly 30 years on North Meridian Street could sense the passion and never wondered what was being celebrated. Their decorations spoke loud and proud. Fran accompanied her husband, Bill, to the Indy 500 for decades, including their years on the 500 Festival Committee and sponsorship of the Kennedy Tank Special race car. Fall weekends frequently involved trips to South Bend and watching her beloved Notre Dame, keeping the spirit of the Irish alive and well, no matter the time of year. She also never slighted Indiana University, rarely missing an IU football game when her three daughters were in Bloomington. The Delta Gamma parties were a thing of beauty when Fran and Bill hosted.
More recently Fran spent winters in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, always welcoming friends and family to her Florida home. While there, she loved trips to ?The Pier? where she shared lunch with several of her Floridian friends. The Kennedys certainly never met a stranger. When in Indianapolis, she was an expert at ?the game,? organizing weekend Rack Rummy parties with her close friends. The invitees will also never forget Fran Kennedy?s St. Valentine?s Day Massacre, a gin rummy tradition that ran thirty - one years with the winner taking home a very generous and coveted trophy.
Fran is survived by her four children, Peggy Shorter (Mark),Jacksonville FL., Kathy Fairchild (Thom), Pat Kennedy (Cheryl) both of Indianapolis, IN, and Ann Bolin (Paul) Carmel, IN . She has 11 grandchildren, Kelly Shorter Schneider(Matt) and Mickey Shorter, Jacksonville, FL., Kimberly and Kyle Fairchild, Maura , Billy, Jimmy and Patrick Kennedy Indianapolis, IN, Courtney, Kevin and Brian Bolin, Carmel, IN. Her family and her friend and caretaker of nineteen years, Naomi Wells, were at her bedside as she passed comfortably to God?s hand, just in time to organize a St. Paddy?s Day up-in-heaven party for herself and Bill. All who knew her were blessed and agree that she spent a long, generous, and full life, adding something to all with whom she came in contact. She will be dearly missed.
Family and friends will gather on Monday March 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated on March 17th at 10:00 am in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Fran, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to either Little Sisters of the Poor or St. Vincent Hospital Guild.
Tributes
"Fran,I am so blessed to have had you and Bill in my life during the many years I worked at Kennedy Tank. Always that smile and happy voice. Always the perfect Hostess, you always made every gathering fun and action packed. I thank you again for letting Don and I share many Happy Memories with the Kennedy Clan. We enjoyed the day visits at your beautiful "Lauderdale by The Sea Condo", which you loved so much.I am so sorry not to be able to say goodby to you in person, but know that you and your Little Leprecon Bill will be together once again up in heaven. I will toast both of you Tuesday during your Wake (lets see if I remember right VO and Water - Short Glass).God Bless and Hugs Helen Dickman"
"I just want to let you know that all of you are in our prayers and thoughts. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to be of more support. My mom truly loved and will miss Mrs. Kennedy. God brings people together for a reason. They spent a lot of time together over the years and learned a lot from one another. She lived a very full life. Nalani wants to give Mrs. Kennedy forty flowers at her funeral and says, "Mrs. Kennedy was the greatest woman in Indiana that my nan-nan worked for and I love her a lot." From the mouth of babes. God bless your family. "Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.""
"Kathy, I am not sure you remember me, but I am Ruth Alberti's daughter and have met at Lannie Thompson's a few times. Over 20+ years ago, our "babies" swam in the little pool at Highland and I remember having dinner after the 9 Hole Party when my husband was her partner!! I spoke with my Mom this morning and she shares in my sympathy for you and your family and both of us wish you peace and healing over time. The tribute is so beautiful and says so much about who she was as a person, mother, grandmother, etc. You are very lucky, as I am. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.Lorraine and Ruth Alberti "
"I visited the Kennedy home once in college and Fran was gracious in inviting a group of Ann's friends into the home for a holiday party. It was clearly a warm home filled with love. I remember Ann fondly too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Sincerely, Ann Kirkwood Heindel (one of the 4 Ann's of the 1977 pledge class)"
"We are saddened by the loss of your mom..... We are praying for you to keep alive the wonderful memories of your family...as you grieve through these times..... God bless you, marlene and bill scharbrough"
"We just wanted you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Fran's obituary was a wonderful tribute to a beautiful person. We are sure she is happy, and is comforted to be joining her husband, the first Indianapolis Irishman of The Year, on St. Pafrtick's Day. Love you all, Tom & Susan Hughes"
"TO THE KENNEDYS, My Prayers are with you all. Mrs. Kennedy was such an elegant lady...Looking back at the parties I worked at both Meridian Street and 86th. Street, I remember I always saw that glimmer of elegance in her manor of dress,attitude,speech and smile. She knew who she was and she did her own thing. Thank you Naomi and Maudie for introducing us.LOOK OUT HEAVEN---HERE COMES A CLASS ACT Always Nedra"
"What a wonderful mother, and friend to all, we were so glad to have had the opportunity to reconnect with Fran this past year. Your children will have another awsome "Guardian Angel" watching over them. She will be dearly missed buy beautifully remembered by all! "
"Pat, Peggy,Kathy, and Ann,Your wonderful Mom and Dad were friends of mine . They were so supportive of me as a young man just starting to build a family and a career and ,of course, as the football coach at IHM. Pat you were a member of the first team I coached . This remains my favorite team not just because of the boys but also the families and especially the parents. There will never be a more special generation than that of your parents. I learned so much about life from their example. I will always remember a conversation I had with Fran during basketball season when I coached the 6th grade boys. I told her I could speak to Pat more directly and frankly than most boys his age. I said I thought it was because he was so mature and intelligent. She responded by saying " yes but he also loves and respects you too". That was the first time a parent ever said that to me. It was a life changing moment for me as it made me realize how much of an impact and responsibility a coach had on the players. I was 23 at the time and I carried that message with me the 37 years I had the privilege to coach. I have recalled that conversation over the years when my life required examination and validation. The conversation was brief but the effect has lasted for decades. Your Mom and Dad were icons and leaders. I am grateful to have known them. I miss so many of those parents of that era that have passed on. Wow, were they something.Sincerely, Steve Wolkoff"
"My deepest sympathy to Peggy and all the family in the passing of your beloved mother and grandmother. I have a special memory of Mrs. Kennedy from when she welcomed me to her home in Ft. Lauderdale, when Peggy and I attended a social studies conference there. Mrs. Kennedy treated me as one of her own, and spoiled me with dinners out on the town! What a treat to stay in her beautiful condo on the beach! She was a lovely, warm and gracious lady and I'm so glad I was able to see her and speak with her again at Kelly's wedding. Peggy, you are in my heart and in the thoughts and prayers of all of your friends and co-workers at Pacetti Bay Middle. I pray God will comfort you in the loss of your precious mother, knowing she is with him. Love, Linda"
"Mrs. Kennedy,Very sorry that I didn't know you better personally but feel I knew you through your children especially Pat and Ann. Thank you for raising such a wonderful and kind family. All of the Kennedy's have always made everyone at Southern Tank in Owensboro feel special and each of us appreciate you so very much for this. I'm happy that you will continue your journey now with our Lord and with Mr. K and feel certain that your constant smile is safe for eternity.Respectfully,Phil Higdon "
"Dear Kathy and Thom, I was very sad to read about the death of Kathy's mom. I know you have many wonderful memories to keep in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Jan Mernone, friend and co-worker of Bernice and Hayes and grateful patient of Thom. "
"Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Mrs. Kennedy. She was a very fine and gracious lady and the epitome of what you'd expect in a country club member. From the day I started eleven years ago at Highland, she was nothing but kind and thoughtful to me. I know our staff thought a great deal of her as well. She will be deeply missed. "
"Pat, we wanted to express or condolences to you and Cheryl in the passing of your mother. We just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Kennedy Family, Where to start with memories of Fran and Bill at the Fountainhead...so many fun times with Fran and Mary. It was always great when our trips would overlap and we would get to spend time together. One of many favorite stories of Fran and Mary was when Fran got a cell phone. The two of them were in the car and decided to try to call someone. They called me, but couldn't figure out how to talk or listen. I got to listen to the two of them laughing about how to use the phone. We feel like family because of the friendship between our mothers. Their daily phones calls meant so much to each of them. We have missed seeing Fran the past couple of years in Florida. Mary always keeps us posted on the latest happenings in the Kennedy family. We look forward to many more years of friendship. Please know that we will be thinking of all of you and St. Patrick's Day! Love, Paul, Jessica, P.T., Brian, and Kevin"
"Ann, Please know that our family wraps you and yours in prayer.Your mother touched so many people with her joy and vitality. What a lovely tribute.Blessings,Anne,Kevin and Jenny"
"To the Kennedy Family. My deepest sympathy to the family in the passing of your Mother and Grandmother. I pray God will keep all in his loving care always. "
"To the Kennedy FamilyWith deep sympathy, Thinking of you in your hour of sorrow and extending heartfelt sympathy."
"Kennedy Family,My first memories of Mamaw were ones from Ft. Lauderdale. She was a radiant woman who very hospitably opened her home and her arms to welcome new friends. She was so beautiful and poised and epitomized timeless elegance. As Mo's friends, we always identified Mamaw as the woman who always had her makeup in tact and looked 20 years younger than her age would prove. She is in such a wonderful place right now. What a blessing she was to all, and how lucky you all were to have been given this time to be together to celebrate a wonderful life! I love you all and wish I could be there. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this time."
"Fran and her husband Bill were great people. Fran was a charming and energetic lady that served both her family and church very well. She is missed."
"I feel so honored to have met such a eligant lady. You my dear have raised a terrific family. A family who is always smiling and treats everyone like family. You should be very proud. "
"Peggy, I was sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you and your family in the coming days. She will be missed but she had a wonderful life. She is at peace and with her love ones in Heaven. We will see you when you get home. Love as a neighbor, Merie Vaughn"
"Peggy, Kathy, Ann and Pat,I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. She was always so kind to me and her love of her family was always so evident! You were blessed!"
"Dear Peggy, Kathy, Pat, and AnnI just now learned that your dear Mother passed away. I regrettably missed the opportunity to see all of you last evening and to attend the funeral. Fran was a very special lady in so many ways and both your Mother and your Father were very special to me. I think we all can find comfort in knowing that they are together again. I certainly have admired and respected your Mother over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families. With love,"
"Dear Ones, I remember Mr and Mrs Kennedy coming in to our dental office (Dr Bill Meek) for many years and we used to get caught up on all the gossip...and ALWAYS there was Naomi loving and caring for first both of them and then only Mrs Kennedy, I will NEVER forget you coming to the the funeral home when our beloved Dr Meek passed away, it didn't really surprise me, you were always so very kind and with that sweet smile...I really know that Mr and Mrs Kennedy were so blessed to have you in their lives and EVERYONE noticed how very loving and kind you were to them...you were like family to her, she told me many times!!! I know it took a lot of pressure off their children to know that you were so faithful and kind to their parents!!!! God Bless all of You, she was one in a million!! Brenda Dant from Dr Meeks' office"
"Although our meetings were few, your presence was evident in the generosity of your children. The Kennedy family has provided a wonderful second home for me at Southern Tank the past 18 years. A big "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. This was very inspirational to read - a life well livedGod Bless - Mike, Tina, Kelly, and Robby"
"To the Kennedy family: I am sorry for your lost, Fran was a special lady . She was a joy to work with her regarding her jewelry. She always had a smile. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sherry"
"Mamaw I love you! I miss hearing your voice. I got on this website to be reminded of some of your great stories. I keep dreaming about you, I miss you. Look out for us up there, we sure do miss you down here its not the same without you. I hope you and Pampaw are having a ball. Love you Mams,Maura Kennedy"
"Maura - I also go to the site so I can read all of the beautiful stories about Mamaw. We are so fortunate to have a role model like her to follow. I miss her so much and thank God everyday that he let her stay with us as long as he did."