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Barbara Kennedy Obituary
Portland - Barbara June (Spiegel) Kennedy of Portland, Oregon died July 1, 2020, at age 87 surrounded by family. Barbara was born in McBain, Michigan, October 6, 1932, the only child of Augustus Charles Spiegel and Virginia Cecelia (Masselink).
Barbara graduated from Denison University in 1954, majoring in Business Administration and Psychology, and was President of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. While there, she met the love of her life and future husband, J.H. "Spike" Kennedy. Barbara did market research for Procter & Gamble until they married in 1955 after Spike completed his first two years of medical school at Ohio State University.
They lived in Columbus and Newark, Ohio where Barbara raised their family while Spike finished his residency and became a General Practitioner. They had four children: boy, girl, boy, girl. Barbara always said, "she planned it that way".
Barbara and Spike moved to Portland in 1970, where Spike became the Medical Director at the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon (RIO) of Good Samaritan Hospital. Barbara was President of the RIO Guild, fundraising and hosting many events at their home. Barbara was also an active member of the Heritage Study Group and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The family enjoyed spending time at their beach house on the Oregon Coast and their cabin on the Metolius River near Camp Sherman.
Barbara is remembered for her beautiful smile, ready laugh and generous spirit. She loved cooking meals for family and friends, hosting holiday events and tending to the roses in her garden. Her grandchildren adored her homemade Christmas cookies and chocolate birthday cakes with caramel frosting. She was loved for her boundless cheer and enthusiasm, love of life and love for her family.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Dr. Spike Kennedy; children Hal Kennedy (Holly), Lori Kennedy (Reynold Schweickhardt), Sean Kennedy (Michael Hubbard), Tara Kennedy Barton (Bruce Barton); and seven grandchildren: John Kennedy (Amanda Moreland), Sarah Kennedy, Anne Kennedy, Campbell Schweickhardt, Katie Schweickhardt, Demaree Barton and Will Barton.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome for Pixie Project Portland, www.pixieproject.org, or Heifer International, www.heifer.org/give.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Kennedy
George Gross MD
July 10, 2023
She was always cheerful and helpful to everyone. Much love. George Gross MD
Annette ONeill
July 10, 2023
Barb was a delight to be around. We love and miss her so much.
The O´Neills
Annette ONeill
July 12, 2021
I miss you, Barbara.
George And Carole Gross
July 10, 2021
We will always remember our dear Barbara. She was indeed a kind and loving lady. Of course we think of Spike in the same togetherness.
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Stephanie Hochhalter
July 28, 2020
I met Barbara thru my work with Dr. Kennedy. I’m sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to Spike and their children.
George Gross, MD
July 21, 2020
Barbara was a loving friend, full of humor and good cheer. We will surely miss her. Much love. George and Carole Gross
Roma Hartman
July 20, 2020
RIP beautiful Barbara - Roma Hartman
Danielle Erb
July 20, 2020
Although, it has been a number of years since I last saw Dr. Kennedy and Barbara, I still remember her smiling face and their beautiful, loving relationship. My best to "Spike"
Patti Hallowell
July 19, 2020
Ive had the immense pleasure of knowing the Kennedys since 1979 through my employment at RIO and our friendship grew even more over the last 10 years. Barbara was one in a million- her stories, her laughter, her smile and her love for her family especially her beloved Spike ❤ I loved visiting the two of them and reminiscing about the good old days. Im so happy to have been a part of their lives and will miss Barbara tremendously. Sending love and prayers to Spike, Hal, Lori, Sean, Tari and all the family
Dani Rosendahl
July 19, 2020
Barbara (or Mrs. Kennedy as I called her) was a loving mother, wife and friend. She had a laugh that could light up a room. Watching a scary movie with her was an experience - she yelled at the screen and screamed so loud when the drama hit. She was a wonderful hostess and made the best baked goodies. Her pantry was always full (even if some of it had been expired for 10 years, lol). She raised 4 great kids and 7 grandkids. Hearing her call out "SPIKE" with her contagious laugh coming after was a joy. She will be dearly missed by all.
John and Gloria Tarnasky
July 19, 2020
Everyone loved Barbara. We have many memories with the two of them. Trip with the Medical Society and train rides. Beach gatherings at our cabins. She will truly be missed but we will always have wonderful memories of times with her. Our friendship goes back a long ways.
John and Gloria
John and Gloria Tarnasky
July 19, 2020
Everyone loved Barbara. We have had many wonderful memories with them. We will always remember our winter train ride through Canada. As Spike would say we are on an adventure. We did many things through the medical society with the two and it was always "An Adventure". She will be truly missed but our memories will always be there.
John and Gloria
Susan
July 19, 2020
It was a pleasure to know Barbara through her son, my neighbor here in Portland. I wish you all well as you come to understand your new world without her. Susan Barthel
Annette ONeill
July 19, 2020
We loved Barbara. She was always fun ,caring, laughing, and giving.
Love, the ONeills
Joyce Cleveland
July 19, 2020
I am so glad to have been at Spikes Birthday celebration seeing Barb and Spike in the family home surrounded by so much love . I will treasure the memory of her laugh, her hugs & her spunk! What a treasure she was !
Hugs to Spike & all the family.
Ruth K Poindexter
July 18, 2020
am so sorry to learn about Barbara's passing. She was a dear sister in PEO and was so generous in bringing family and friends to our gatherings. We have missed her these last years in Chapter BK but our numbers dwindled and now our chapter is disbanded. We still are in touch with each other but it is not the same as when we had meetings and went to each other's homes.
It is sad to lose her and my sympathy and the best to your family.
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