With profound sorrow and reverence, we announce the passing of Carol Lee Kennedy (Pedrick) on September 2nd, 2024 after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s. Born on August 29th, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA, Carol was one of thirteen children born to Lancelot and Genevieve Pedrick. She was educated at St. Boniface Catholic and Business School, graduating in 1960. Even before completing high school, Carol dedicated herself to supporting her family, working at Richland Laboratories and later at the Philadelphia Arsenal.
Carol's life was a testament to faith and resilience. She met Charles Kennedy and they were married in February, 1970 their union brought forth their son, Brian Kennedy, in December of 1970. Devastatingly, Charles passed away unexpectedly in 1978. As a young widow, Carol faced the daunting task of raising her child alone. Yet, she embodied unwavering strength and determination, completing her GED, pursuing higher education, and earning a Dale Carnegie certification.
Her career path was as varied as it was impressive. Carol served as a dental assistantand worked as a professional administrative assistant for esteemed organizations, including the FAA, PHEAA, IBM, Rite Aid, and the Federal Government. Remarkably, she trained Kuwaitis on computer systems before Kuwait gained international prominence. She also explored interior design for assisted living and nursing home facilities and worked for Harbor Linen. In the late 90s, Carol joined her son in the financial planning industry, where her expertise and dedication were instrumental in shaping his practice.
Carol's spirit was as vibrant as it was fierce. She was never one to shy away from speaking her truth and was always a beacon of support, especially for her sisters battling cancer and in times of family crisis. Her generosity knew no bounds, reflecting the true essence of selfless giving.
Carol's passions were many and varied. She was a poet, an avid reader, amazing cook, and a lover of Scrabble, card games, and crossword puzzles. Her grace was evident in her dance, her singing, and her seamstress skills, as she crafted clothing and teddy bears for her nieces and nephews. Known for her fashion sense, she was often compared to Cheryl Tiegs but remained thrifty, a habit honed from her upbringing and single motherhood. Her travels took her to sacred and beautiful places, including England, Italy, the Bahamas, Mexico, St. Kitts, Aruba, and various parts of the United States.
Most importantly, Carol imparted to her son the virtues of compassion, optimism, and perseverance. Her enduring spirit and commitment to helping others are a testament to the divine goodness in the world. Although Alzheimer's dimmed her vibrant presence in her later years, Carol's bravery and love shone through. She fought valiantly for over 12 years, driven by her desire to remain with her loved ones.
Her legacy lives on in the cherished memories of her surviving son, Brian Kennedy; daughter-in-law, Kim Kennedy; grandson, Caelan Kennedy; and sisters, Genevieve Zahaczewsky,Theresa Donnelly, Kathleen Corsaro and brother Thomas Pedrick along with their families. While many may fade from memory, Carol's spirit will forever be cherished. She gave so much for the well-being and joy of others, and we hope she now finds eternal peace.
We extend our profound gratitude to her caregivers over the years—Andrea Wiley, Cindy A., Amanda Roberts, Nina Troisi, and the dedicated team and staff at Thornwald Home. Their steadfast devotion to serving and uplifting those in need has been a source of immense comfort and inspiration. Their compassion and selflessness are cherished beyond words, and we are deeply thankful for their spiritual and heartfelt support.
A service will be held on September 28th at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church; 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill, PA. A Celebration of Carol Kennedy’s Life will be held immediately following the service starting at 12:00pm at the West Shore Country Club main ballroom;100 Brentwater Road, Camp Hill, PA. All that knew Carol or her family are welcome to attend.
In honor of her memory, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, aiming to raise awareness that this disease is not always hereditary, as no one else in Carol’s family had it. The link to donate is http://act.alz.org/goto/inmemoryofCarol
"May God enfold you in His embrace, and may we one day be reunited.”
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Alzheimer’s Association225 N. Michigan Ave.,, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601
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