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Lynn, Massachusetts

Dezra Kenney Obituary

Dezra L. Kenney, age 56 years, of Lynn, formerly of Arlington and Quincy, died unexpectedly at her home. Born in Arlington, she was the daughter of the Linda (Zwink) Peluso of Lynn. She attended schools in Quincy and graduated from North Quincy High School, Class of 1976. Dez graduated from Lemuel Shattuck Hospital School of Nursing, as a LPN, Class of 1978, graduated from Catherine Laboure School of Nursing in Dorcester as a registered nurse. Dez earned her Nurse Practioners Degree, specializing in psychiatry and addiction, from Harvard College in Cambridge. She was the owner of Kenney & Associates in Salem. Dez was a psycho-pharmacologist, and was a national speaker for a number of pharmaceutical companies and spoke all over the United States. She was past president of the Psychiatric Nurses Association. Dez enjoyed traveling to Aruba and Barbados. In addition to her mother, she is survived by one brother, Alan and his wife Dawn Kenney of Quincy; and two nephews, Alex and Adam Kenney of Quincy. Dezs visiting hours will be held at the Parker Funeral Home, 35 Franklin St., Lynn, Saturday from 3-8 p.m., to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Funeral services will be private. Please make memorial donations to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970. Guest book at parkermemorialfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Patriot Ledger on Aug. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Dezra Kenney

Sponsored by Parker Funeral Home - Lynn.

Not sure what to say?





Anne Marie Marino

September 1, 2021

Remembering and missing you!
RIP DEZ!

Geraldine Moran

July 31, 2021

There will never be another Dez...I know because I've searched.
RIP Dez! You were amazing and you helped me so much.

Annemarie Marino

August 4, 2020

Still think about you a lot! You where a special person. I’ll never forget you. RIP DEZ!

Karen Lothamer

August 2, 2020

It is hard to believe that it has been 5 years since she has been gone. Many times in groups of psychiatric events Dez's name comes up and how her expertise continues to comfort us. Dez had so many funny and inspirational experienes to share. Love that woman. Karen Lothamer

Pam

July 31, 2020

I will be forever grateful for your amazing ability to help addicts to refocus and guide them to live and love themselves

Geraldine Moran

July 31, 2020

An amazing woman and therapist...you gave me strength and I miss hou every day

Tim R

November 23, 2015

It has been months since you passed on Dez, and I am so sorry that I only found out when my meds ran out. You will be deeply missed by so many friends and patients. You were a truly unique soul: wise and witty, caring and encouraging. Your love for dogs and ability to be man's best friend got so many of us through our dark places to the sunnier side where we all belong. God blessed you with a contagious joy for life. You can see it in this photo: bright eyes and a real smile. I feel so much for those closest to you. May their pain pass and your joy for life fill their hearts again! Peace and joy be with you forever.

Annemarie Marino

September 9, 2015

I just found out about DEZ passing and I can't believe it I was shocked to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. I have been seeing DEZ for at least 5 years and I just want to say she was the most kind and caring person I new and I will never ever forget her. Very very sad and again so very sorry to all she new.

Rose Marie Zmyslinski

August 31, 2015

I knew Dez through our work as psych APRNs.
She had a gift for making others feel better.

August 20, 2015

I only met her once, but such a profound impact. She will be missed by those who had the joy of spending time with her.

August 20, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting Dez just a few months ago during a speaking engagement. There were only six participants and we sat around a small table like we were family. She made everyone feel that we had known her for years. Very knowledgeable and well spoken. You could tell that she truly loved what she was doing and loved her clients. What an amazing lady. Prayers to her family.

LaGenia Bailey

August 17, 2015

Dez, I am having difficulty believing that you are not here on this earth with us. You made a difference in so many peoples lives. Glad we got to spend some time together last fall. I will always remember your kind words and how you always made me laugh. To her Mom Linda and her family: May the angels of light and love surround your heart and hold you close during this time. There are no words except to say that Dez was one in a million and I will miss her. I'm so sorry for the loss of this beautiful woman. May her soul be at peace and may yours know the love that she had for you........LaGenia Bailey

Geri Moran

August 16, 2015

I ve been told that God always takes the best ... it was certainly true in this case. You helped me more than you knew. I realize you were right and I am making my move in the next couple of weeks. I will miss our talks. You listened, you cared, you helped. I will miss seeing you, your bright smile, your encouraging words. I will miss your hugs, next to my mother ... you gave the best hugs. Heaven is a big place ... find my family when you get a chance and they will show you all the love you showed me. May you RIP! You gave so much to others, it's your time to relax. You were the best! I will always remember how you helped me.

Sandi McCarter

August 15, 2015

I only met Dez a few months ago but she made you feel as if you have known her forever. She was so fun to be around and has helped a lot of people. She will be missed by many.

A Montone

August 12, 2015

Dez! I will never forget all the fun times we had on the CSU! You were a blessing to so many patients and always found the good in people even on their worst days. I will never forget that laugh and smile!! Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again. xo -Adrienne

Deb K

August 12, 2015

It seems hard to believe Dez is gone. She could always light up a room with her smile.
I worked with her at Choate years ago. She always was straightforward and open. I will miss her.

priscilla parten

August 11, 2015

I am sorry to hear of the death of Dez. We met occasionally thru work. Her lovely smile and infectious positivity was a great gift. She often helped others who no one else would or could. She will be missed. There is a meteor shower this week. She is probably one of them.

Joe Fitzgerald

August 8, 2015

The only thing I can say is to all who loved Dez, there will be plenty of Dez stories to entertain everyone tonight..Her wit was legendary

Karen Lothamer

August 8, 2015

Wil miss her bright smile and wit. She traveled to Fort Wayne often to share her knowledge and experience with mental health clients. Rest in peace dear friend

Jack Petras

August 8, 2015

A person as unique as her name. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten

Brian F

August 8, 2015

Heartbroken to hear of Dez's untimely passing. Worked with her in the medicine business and marveled at her ability to teach and share wisdom involving the healing arts. Such a kind and inspiring spirit.

August 7, 2015

Dez,A brilliant light in this world! Now a shining star above always reminding us to look up !
Hope you're up there singing "The Power of Love" with Luther V !

Geri

August 7, 2015

Linda,
My heart hurt for you when I first learned of Dez's death!
Your daughter was a shining star whose bright light guided many people from some very dark places.Dez brought them to the light of recovery where the promises can come true "if you work for them"! Strong, Brilliant, Beautiful, Generous of heart & spirit, a woman who lit up the room with her smile... a woman who made a difference in my life & taught many how to "slay their Dragon"! Dez, a one of a kind Friend that I'll NEVER forget & who will always hold a place in my ❤.
Linda I wish you peace and during this time of grief, KNOW THAT DEZ LOVED YOU !

With Love & Heartfelt Sympathy,
Geri McCabe

Mary Gordon-Judge

August 7, 2015

A light for your life.

August 7, 2015

Dez, we knew for only a short time, but will love you always.
Mary Gordon and Mirca Telemaque~

Marilyn N

August 7, 2015

Linda,
I can only imagine your sorrow Dez was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. And, she was a great daughter and friend to you. Please know that I will be holding you in prayer as you navigate this huge loss. God will give you comfort and strength and help you go on when you feel that you can't. Dez is with Him nowin His loving hands. Knowing that is a comfort but doesn't make you miss her any less So sorry that you must bear this loss...
Sending you much love, Marilyn from San Francisco

August 7, 2015

An angel with the courage to pull me from the darkest of places; thank you Dez.

Dan M.

jacque murray

August 7, 2015

Heartbroken to hear of dez. She was saving lives and cannot be replaced. Hopefully an angel on earth will carry out her mission to save the addict.. she will be truly missed by all !!!

Mike Wilson

August 6, 2015

This is so sad,if I had never met dez who knows we're I'd be.God bless.always in my heart

August 6, 2015

Dezra dedicated her life helping others find the good in themselves. I will never forget how her caring concern guided me to a safe place in my life. She made a lasting impression on many life which I will always be grateful.
Camille D.
Wakefield

Candice

August 6, 2015

Forever grateful for your kindness, support, understanding, and compassion. You were an angel on earth and now you are one in heaven. You knew more about me then I knew about myself. You helped me find my place in life and how to love again after a terrible divorce. You helped my brother move on to become a wonderful husband and great dad. We couldn't have done it without your support. I Love you Dez. My family and Kenny love you. Thank you for making the world a better place. You really were "Amazing."

Cheri

August 6, 2015

Always a smile - always a positive attitude. Your friends at Cambridge Hospital are very sad.

Dave T.

August 6, 2015

A positive attitude and a welcoming smile is what I experienced every time I came to her office. Her will and determination was contagious and affected so many patients and their families in such a positive way. Guide us from above and we will keep you in our prayers

August 6, 2015

It's always awful when someone good goes, she was really one of the good ones.
F.Sullivan

August 6, 2015

I was deeply sorry to hear about Dez!s passing. She and I worked at Waltham Hospital and reconnected after my son became her patient. I will always be deeply grateful to her and her staff for assisting in my sons recovery. Her dedication and devotion to the lives of addicts and their families will be deeply missed. A huge loss both personally and professionally. Pam N.

Scott P

August 6, 2015

I had an angel of mercy to see me through all my sins.
Truer words have never been spoken. Love always

michael D

August 6, 2015

you will be missed Dez you touched a lot of people's lives and they will never forget that.

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3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Parker Funeral Home - Lynn

35 Franklin Street, Lynn, MA 01902

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35 Franklin Street, Lynn, MA 01902

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