Denise M. Kennedy

KENNEDY, Denise M. (O'Connell) 58, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, formerly of Stoneham, MA, died in her home on September 30, 2008, after a two year battle with cancer. A devoted wife, daughter, sister and aunt, she is survived by her beloved husband and dear friend Tom; her brothers, Ted and his wife Angie of Peabody, Richard and his wife Karen of Andover, her sisters; Regina Merrill Arsenault of Melrose, Michele and her husband Joseph Donohue of Windham, NH, and 18 nieces and nephews who will be forever grateful for the guidance and support she shared with them. She was the daughter of the late Edward J. and Regina A. (Geer) O'Connell. Denise was raised in Stoneham attending St. Patrick School and graduating from Stoneham High School in 1968. She continued her education at Mass Bay Community College and Salem State College. Denise studied music while in school and enjoyed many hours entertaining family and friends on the piano. Her passion for the piano remained strong as her career path led her to the business world. She was an employee of The Sun Life Assurance Company in Wellesley for many years. Denise loved to travel and had many wonderful experiences traveling with her sister Michele throughout Spain and beyond. In 1980 Denise relocated to Phoenix where she was employed by the Sperry Corporation. It was at Sperry that she met her husband Tom. During their 20 years of marriage they enjoyed many vacations along the west coast and Hawaii. In 2005 Denise and Tom retired from Sperry/Honeywell Corp. and moved to the beautiful area of Sierra Vista. Denise was a truly spiritual person who inspired everyone she met with hope and faith. We have all been so greatly blessed to have had her in our lives. A Funeral mass was offered at St. Andrew Church in Sierra Vista on October 9, 2008. A gathering of family and friends for a memorial service will be held at St. Patrick Church, 9 Pomeworth Street, Stoneham, MA on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 10 AM. The mass will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. Donations in Memory of Denise may be made to Casa de Paz Hospice, 300 El Camino Real, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 or to The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701