- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Betty Kennedy
Betty knew that when life hands you lemons… squeeze them into some sweet iced tea and thank God you were born a southern girl! She could balance the gentle dichotomy of her outspoken nature with a generous helping of Southern charm; she’d think nothing of razzing you, but was always ready to give you the shirt off her back. She drove a school bus in Edgewater Park and Burlington, but it was always more than just a job. Even recently, former students would still drop by her home in Edgewater Park to say hi to “Mama Kennedy”, or perhaps they were hoping to be treated to some of her famous peach cobbler. Betty spent many years as a military wife. While this adventure took her from Florida to Sicily to England to Massachusetts to New Jersey she always brought her sense of hospitality with her. While oversees she set up kitchens to feed the less fortunate and even volunteered to help other wives with adjusting to life abroad. The excitement that came with travel paled in comparison to the joy of her family. Nothing made her happier than her children and grandchildren.
In the late 1970s Betty was in a minor fender bender with a sailor named Donald who was stationed in Florida. While he looked over the damage to the cars, she became fixated on his eyes, as well as his many other attributes. It was not long until the two were married. Together, their lives were blessed by their children: Annette Martinez (Luis) of Willingboro and SFC Donald F. Kennedy II of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, again by their grandchildren: Brennon, Colin, Aubrie and Santana. Betty is also survived by her step-daughter, Katrina Freeburn and is the sister of Catherine Nicholson, Christine Leach, Faye Thomas, Charles Warren and the late Buck Warren.
Come celebrate Betty’s 62 wonderful years (Dec. 18, 1950-Mar. 20, 2013) Sunday from 3PM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, 478 Cooper St., Beverly, NJ where the service will be at 5. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
7 Comments
Betty was always there for everone. A lovely, fun and energized person. We will never forget the things she has done for our family. She will be missed by many. Our sympathies go to her family.
Kent & Phyllis Slocum
Randy & Alicia Slocum
Christopher & Jessica Slocum
Love you so much Aunt Betty Jo. You will be missed greatly by both of us. Uncle Don, Donnie and Annette and children we love you lots. Sorry we cannot be there for you but much love is being sent.
Betty was a lasting friend. I hadn’t seen her in years, but often thought of her when I saw school buses. She was a good friend to both my late husband, Alan and myself. I loved to hear her talk with her southern accent.
It has been many years since I have seen Betty but no one who met her could ever forget her great sense of humor and her outspoken manner. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I my heart and prayers are with her family.
When we both heard we were so shocked. Betty was a friend and mother to all. She would give you her shirt off her back for any one but not till she made you laugh. Even though it has been years that we have seen her. We both can picture her love and kindness for all. On a personal note we are so grateful for her friendship to Betty Sue. For without that and Annette, Paul and I would of not met. Betty Jo your memory lives on in our hearts. Your southern hospitality lives on among all the lives you touched. You will be missed.
OK–BJ–THIS IS YOUR OLE’ SISTER HERE !! WAS PLANNING OUR ANNUAL TRIP TO JERSEY IN OCTOBER, NOT THIS MONTH–NOT THIS WAY—YOU LEFT US SO QUICK –WE NOT ONLY DIDN’T GET TO VISIT–WE DIDN’T EVEN GET TO SAY GOOD-BYE. YOU KNOW , YOU AND I WERE THE “BIGMOUTH’S” OF THE FAMILY NOW WHAT AM I TO DO–RUN THE SHOW BY MYSELF ??? AS I WRITE THIS –I CRY–I CRY FOR THE MEMORIES WE MADE (ESPECIALLY THE ONE ON THE SIDE OF I-75 WHEN THE VAN BROKE DOWN). HOWEVER THERE IS ON THING I DON’T CRY FOR AND THAT IS THAT I KNOW YOU HAVE GONE ON TO A BETTER PLACE . YOU DANCE WITH THE ANGELS NOW !! YOU SING WITH MAMA & DADDY. YOU KEEP DEBBIE AND BILLY STRAIGHT. YOU ARE IN CONTROL—-JUST LIKE YOU WERE HERE–ONLY BETTER–I LOVE YOU, BJ–GUESS I’D BETTER LEAVE ROOM FOR SOME ELSE—–I’LL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN—–REE REE !!
It has been at least 20 years since we last saw each other. But, every time I have thought of you, or I look at old pics of us growing up, I start to laugh!! You, Martha and myself, we were so much alike with you of course, being the most daring of us all…Who else would have picked up a sailor from a little fender bender!!!
You were so proud of yourself, and so HAPPY! Our paths separated all to soon, but I know you made a wonderful wife to your cute little sailor, and a precious mother to your beautiful children. You were always a caring, loving person and I know everyone misses you terribly.
We are instructed in all ways to give thanks for all things, unto The Lord. Even in this, we are to trust him, he knows what he is doing, So, I ask him to bless and comfort your beautiful family Betty, for no one can comfort us like Jesus can. I regret not looking for you sooner, I know we would have had a great time talking over old times, I can hear your laughter so clearly.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.