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BORN
1956
DIED
2024
PHYLLIS KENNEDY Obituary
1956–2024
Phyllis Jennings Kennedy died unexpectedly in her sleep on Monday, April 15. She was the glue that held together her family. She was an incredibly adept listener and empathetic soul who helped solve thorny problems, salve physical as well as emotional wounds, and was both wise and serene.
Phyllis led a life dedicated to art and education. As a young photographer, Phyllis was inspired by New Mexico's unique combination of motel neon and the desert. Her work is in numerous private and public collections, including the New Mexico Art Museum in Santa Fe and the Public Art of the City of Albuquerque. Phyllis's time as a Montessori art teacher influenced her decision to join the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, where she worked closely with community arts groups such as continuing education for rural art teachers and Poetry Out Loud. She started the Department's Arts in the Military program by finding resources to facilitate roundtable discussions as well as promoting statewide community outreach programs and events. Arts in the military now benefit from permanent legislative funding.
Phyllis touched countless lives through her tireless advocacy for arts education. As Executive Director of the New Mexico Alliance for Arts Education, she was a determined activist in the legislature to restore funding for the 2003 Elementary Fine Arts Education Act. The next year, she defended it against gubernatorial interference. Since 2004, the annual spending for elementary school arts has grown from $4 million to $30 million. Phyllis was a recipient of the Max and Catherine Coll Award for Excellence in Arts Education, awarded by the New Mexico Arts Education Association.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Judge Rod Kennedy, and children, Camila and Annie. There will be a memorial service in her honor at the Cathedral of St. John in Albuquerque on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. The family requests that donations in Phyllis's name be sent to the following organizations, which were close to her heart:
Hives for Heroes, https://hivesforheroes.org/pages/donate
Poetry Out Loud, Care of Michelle Laflamme-Childs,
New Mexico Arts, Bataan Memorial Building,
407 Galisteo Suite 270, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
StemArts of Taos, New Mexico, https://www.stemarts?
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for PHYLLIS KENNEDY
Fred Russillo
July 11, 2024
A beacon and an anchor for all who knew her...
Dawn Flores-Rambo
May 16, 2024
Phyllis and Rod were both there for me when my partner Robert Rambo died. Rod came the night Robert unexpectedly died in his sleep. Phyllis always had this amazing ability to be present with her heart. She hosted a get together after Roberts death with Empathy, Style, and Generousity of spirit.
Phyllis had this luminous, vibrant creative force coupled with such a peaceful compassion.
My family will always hold them both; in our hearts for the love and support both Phyllis and Rod gave to us.
Phyllis you have touched us all with your compassion, kindness, love and vibrant creativity.
To Rod, Camila, Annie: there are no words.
My family is here for all 3 of you in anyway, anytime....
Karen & Michael DiLauro
May 16, 2024
Phyllis and Rod Kennedy are two of our favorite people, this despite the fact that we saw them all too infrequently. I´ve always been struck by the fact that although I knew Rod for decades (we met in Civil Procedure class and were classmates at the University of Toledo College of Law, Class of 1980) before we met Phyllis, my wife Karen and Phyllis hit it off like they´d known each other for a life-time. I suspect this might have been due in part to the fact of what they shared in common...both of their husbands had the good sense to marry far above themselves (or as I´ve heard Rod say, "yup, outkicked the coverage on that one, big time"). I can´t think of anyone who left this world way too soon and yet made it a far better place than she found it during their time here. Her devotion to and singular focus on the arts, education, her community, and her family were legendary and will be remembered for a long time. I´m so happy that in this big game of chance called life that our paths got to cross. What a wonderful person! Rod, Camila, and Annie, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this extraordinarily difficult time. All our love, Karen & Mike DiLauro, Warwick, RI.
Valerie Stewart
May 16, 2024
We met only at a distance, yet Phyllis gave openly and with kindness. Her advocacy for the arts and artists and justice made a difference in the world. To have family and friends who love you and appreciate you is a great legacy. Hold tight to precious memories.
Rob Patterson
May 15, 2024
I only met Phyllis a couple times at family events, but it was so obvious she was aware and engaged in the important things in life. I regret not having more experiences with her and family, but will remember her presence as a treasure. A very special lady.
Claire Lissance
May 13, 2024
Phyllis was a truly special woman. Intelligent, kind, patient, creative and I was lucky to get to know her when a project I was working on received a grant through NM Arts. We didn´t see each other often but enjoyed each other´s company. She did so much for the Arts, Poetry and Arts Education. She touched so many lives, including mine. I am so sorry to learn that she has left the earthly world so prematurely. She made New Mexico a better place on so many levels. She will be missed by many, as her spirit was magic and laughter was so genuine.
Jim Bell
May 7, 2024
Rod, please accept our most sincere condolences over Phyllis' sudden death. Angela and I offer our prayers to you and your children for healing and comfort during this very difficult time.
Rita
May 6, 2024
My deepest condolences to Judge Kennedy, Camila and Annie. Phyllis was deeply loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May you draw strength from one another during this difficult time. Blessings to you.
Carla Noziglia
May 6, 2024
A sweet soul; beautiful inside and out; spreading happiness to all.
Rod Kennedy
May 1, 2024
Terry Lohman Vigil
April 30, 2024
Dear Rod & family ~ Hold on to the many wonderful memories you have of your dear and very precious wife and mom. With our deepest sympathy and love, Michael & Terry and Josh and DeLores
Sheila Sullivan
April 30, 2024
My deepest condolences to Rod and the family; loving wishes that sadness gives way to rich and vibrant memories of an amazing woman who brought joy to so many lives.
George Corcoran
April 29, 2024
Phyllis, our precious friend, you were an amazing emblem of courage and excellence, a vibrant rarity like few we have known, a beautiful loving creature, wife, parent, and friend, a fearsome warrior for justice and hard-earned beliefs particularly in the arts, and their importance in education in New Mexico and vastly beyond. You Changed The World, Girl !!!! We are deeply thankful to have been in the sphere of your cherished soul.
hanh nguyen
April 29, 2024
I met Phyllis at Arts Alliance and worked with the coalition almost the entire time of the 2003 Elementary Fine Arts Education Act. The APS school, near UNM, my children went to had funds from the school PTA for an after school program, so by that measure i need not be in the fight. I am grateful that Phyllis lead the effort. Yellow cards forever flying wherever you are, Phyllis.
Rod Kennedy
April 28, 2024
Please do not hit any of the "Sunflowers buttons or donate to the suggested links by the Albuquerque journal. Please check the obituary for the legitimate charities to whom to donate if you really want to honor Phyllis and her legacy. Thank you. The Family.
Lori Garcia
April 28, 2024
Remember Phyllis: In Heaven we can see music...and hear colors!
Robert Langham III
April 27, 2024
As soon as you met her, she was considered and essential person.
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