Sr. Marigene Kennedy, OSF

BORN: Marigene Kennedy on October 2, 1929, Philadelphia, PA

 

DIED: July 29, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

 

DAUGHTER OF: Eugene and Mary Brady Kennedy, Pompton Lakes, NJ

 

Sr. Marigene entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on September 8, 1953; was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1954, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1961. For 71 years she faithfully lived her vows to God through her ministry and life in community.

Marigene attended Holy Child, Wyncote and Thomas William Elementary Junior High School, Wyncote, PA; Cheltenham Middle/High School, Elkins Park, PA and graduated from Notre Dame High School, Wyncote, PA. Before entering the Congregation, Marigene graduated from the Moore Institute of Art in Philadelphia, PA with a degree in Fashion Design. She worked in New York City as a designer of children’s clothing. 

Upon entering the Congregation, she attended St. Elizabeth Teachers College, graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Later, Marigene returned to St. Bonaventure University to pursue graduate studies, earning a Master of Arts Degree in History and Master of Arts Degree in Sacred Science.

Her ministry began educating students in Congregational schools in New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina and New York, serving in various roles as a teacher, principal and administrator. 

She ministered to the Congregation as a member of Region II Leadership, Local and Assistant Local Minister and Transportation Coordinator for independent sisters living at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Sr. Marigene also served as a Peer Group Counselor at Holy Cross, Bronx, NY; in a Corporate Health Education Program at St. John the Baptist, West Islip, NY; in Parish Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway, NJ; Assistant Administrator at St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, NY; Director of Faith Development, East Rutherford, NJ, and Pastoral Care Volunteer at Clara Mass Medical Center, Arlington Heights, NJ. 

Sr. Marigene served 71 years as a Franciscan Sister of Allegany ministering to the needs of her students, congregation and communities in which she lived. In 2022, she officially retired from her many responsibilities at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.

She is predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Mary Brady Kennedy and her stepmother, Helen Smith Kennedy; two brothers: Eugene Kennedy, Jr and Jay Kennedy; a sister, Marie Theresa (Rhe) Kennedy.

Sr. Marigene is survived by a brother, Terrence “Terry” Kennedy, sister-in-law, Polly Kennedy and beloved nieces and nephews: Elizabeth (Kevin) Thorton, Mary Cate (Larry) Devey, Megan Kennedy Maureen Faire, James, Patrick, Eileen, Michael, Mark, Katie, Jeanne and Luke; grandnieces and nephews: Jay, Matt, Kelly, Cate, Sean, Ryan and Luke who all enjoyed spending Christmas’ together and will greatly miss their dear Aunt Marigene.

A wake service is scheduled for Friday August 9, 2024, at 4:00 PM in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10:00 AM in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.