"To the Kenney family, We were very saddened to read that another one of the girls of \"Club\" has passed away. Our mothers sure had a wonderful time together in this group. Such a great group of friends who shared so much. Our Mom is in St Clare\'s and unable to acknowledge your Mom\'s passing. So on behalf of the Maureen Meehan and family we send our sympathy. Elizabeth Meehan Buckley"
In loving memory of
Constance Claire Kenney
December 19, 1927 - April 4, 2021
Constance Claire Dorval Kenney, passed away on April 4, 2021 at John Clarke Nursing Home. She was the daughter of George F. and Aurora (Marchand) Dorval, born Dec. 19th, 1927 in her Grandmother's house in Central Falls, RI. Claire, as she was known, was married to Philip M. Kenney Sr. for 27 years until his death in 1978. Claire leaves her children Suzanne (Bruce) Garrett of Richland WA, Philip M. (Cynthia) Kenney Jr. of Portsmouth RI, Marilyn (Charles) Gemmell of Ashaway RI and Brian P. Kenney (Colleen King) of Newport RI.
Grandmother to six beautiful and intelligent grandchildren, Sean Garrett and Elisa Garrett, Philip M. Kenney III and Jonathan D. Kenney and Charles J. Gemmell III and Jessica M. Gemmell. Great-Grandmother to Noah Joaquin, Philip M. Kenney IV and Brennan Kenney. Claire is also survived by her beloved sister Elaine (Francis) Czajkowski in MD.
Mrs. Kenney was a licensed Dental Hygienist, completing her degree at Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in Boston MA. She was employed by a number of dentists around town, the last one being Dr. Ernie Violette, for over 25 years, having restarted her career after her youngest child was in school. You would often see her walking to and from work on the nice days.
Claire was an avid Duckpin bowler, a member of the Rosary Altar Society of St. Joseph's Church and a member of The Club, a gathering of the best friends from St. Catherine's High School. They got together for food and drinks once a month from High School on.
Funeral services will be private.
Tributes
"Brian & Colleen, Condolences, Sorry to hear of the passing of Brian?s Mother, ??? Prayers for the Kenneth Family."
"Dearest Kenney Family, ?Mrs, Kenney?, as I knew her, ?your mom? was such a warm, kind and truly a special person. I am the daughter of Dr. Arthur Josephson and spent a lot of time with your mom. I can still remember her gentle ways, her kind heart and her love for her family. She would light up in talking about all of you!"
"Suzanne, Marilyn, Phil, and Brian I\'m so sorry to hear about your mother. I enjoyed sitting and talking with her, and bringing her my yellow and red tomatoes in the summer. One of my favorite memories was of her swinging and ringing that big bell, calling for you guys all by name in for dinner. My thoughts are with you at this time. Vicki Rodrigues"
"Dear Kenney Family, My most heartfelt sympathy to you all. I remember a very warm, kind and caring Lady. Our mothers knew each other, getting reacquainted at Dr. Arthur Josephine\'s dental office. Your Mom helped me \"trust her & Dr. Josephson\" when I was a scared, new \"child patient.\" I recall her kind eyes and happy smile. Our Moms would truly enjoy their \"chat fests!\" She always shared updates on you all with my Mom at appointments. Your Mom is remembered with much affection. Kathy Martins Sandru"
"Suzanne and Phil, My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss. Chris Dunn"
"Dear Suzanne, Phil, Marilyn and Brian Sending my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom. I have wonderful memories of her in the years when we all played out on Tyler St. She was a great neighborhood mom. praying for peace and comfort in the Lord\'s arms. Nancy Nilsen"