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Jane Denise Kennard

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Jane Kennard Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 13, 2025.

Jane Denise Kennard

January 16, 1964 - July 21, 2025

Jane Denise Kennard, 61, of Saint Cloud, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. She was surrounded by the family she so deeply loved and devoted her life to.

Born on January 16, 1964, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Denise lived a life defined by selflessness, love, and quiet strength. Her greatest joy was her family, and she was unwavering in her commitment to their well-being. Whether offering a place to stay during hard times, sharing heartfelt advice, lending financial support, or simply listening, Denise was always there. She was the foundation of her family-the glue that held everyone together with grace, honesty, and fierce protection.

As a wife, Denise was loving, loyal, and endlessly supportive. Throughout her husband's military deployments and life's many challenges, she created a warm and welcoming home, all 11 of them, and stood as his steadfast partner. Her self-sacrifice was never for recognition-it was simply her way of making sure others were cared for.

Denise's devotion extended beyond her home into public service. She began her career in public service as a Crime Scene Technician with the Kissimmee Police Department, a role she cherished and where she forged lifelong friendships. Her passion for helping others led her into nonprofit leadership, where she was asked to serve as Executive Director of both Clemson Community Care in South Carolina and Daystar Life Center in Crystal River, Florida. In both organizations, she brought vision, compassion, and a hands-on approach that left a lasting impact. Even in leadership, Denise often declined raises so that more resources could go to those in need. Her legacy continues in the lives touched by her work and the systems she helped build.

Denise is survived by her beloved husband, Michael N. Kennard (57); her children, Melinda J. Klamer (43), Michael A. Kennard (31), and Zachary R. Kennard (27); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Klamer (21) and Sophie Kennard (4); her mother, Brenda K. Ray (79); and her siblings, Kelly Black (56) and Burt Ray (48). She is preceded in death by her father, Ronald F. Ray, and one unborn child lost during pregnancy.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Bushnell National Cemetery on August 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. All are welcome. A private celebration of Denise's life for close family and friends will follow at 5 p.m.

In honor of Denise's lifelong commitment to service, the family asks that donations be made in her name to any of the following organizations: Clemson Community Care, Daystar Life Center of Citrus County, Kim's Hope, or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Jonesboro, GA.

Denise's boundless love and quiet courage will remain a guiding light for everyone she touched.

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Brenda K Ray

August 13, 2025

Such a perfect child - MY HEART IS BROKEN - From Mom

So exactly what is it that you can say when your firstborn child dies before you.
Over 61 years there are so many memories. I chose my own special memories I have of her.

She comes home with you from the hospital and she makes you so happy
those big eyes and cheeks in that little face
Even with no experience, I know she is a really really good baby
And as she grows I see the following:
she is an angel
she is quiet
she is obedient
she asks nothing for herself
everybody loves her
Such a perfect child

With the start of school she again just makes me such a proud proud mother.
She would get up by herself
She would get herself dressed
She would always do her homework on her own
Going to meet the teacher was always such a pleasure
Such A perfect child

The teenage years were rough for her. Married, had a baby and divorced. She cried and cried but eventually she picked herself up and did an awesome job getting her life together for Mindy. She came to Florida with her dad and me. She got herself a decent job. She brought her own brand new house. She really was a wonderful single mother.
Such a perfect child

Then she met Mike and building her family life away from me began. As it is meant to be. I could see her becoming a perfect adult, a perfect wife and most important a perfect mother.
But to me she was still
Such a perfect child.

As an adult, when not spending her free time with her family, she spent her time helping other people. When she worked a paying job she worked for charitable/religous organiations that were helping the less fortunate. And when she wasn't working she was donating her time to helping those same people. She was always asking so little for herself. I believe her entire goal in life was to raise children who would go out in the world and help other people. And to that end she was such a dedicated mother and grandmother.
Such a perfect child

She was such a rock for me.

She was always there helping me through very tough times in my life. And I'll always be grateful for that. And I hope I was a help to her getting through the rough times in her life. She said I was.
I'm going to miss my long talks and visits with her.

And so I'm going back to the original question.

I can say these things that I have said in all honesty because during these years I was probably the one that knew her the best. My memories of her young years are my joy. And death will not remove them.

These are all facts. This is the way she really was. She and I knew these things. I loved her very much and I so bad want her back. So this is what I have to say about my darling baby.
Such a perfect child.