Irene Lenora Kennedy

My dear mother, our doting grandmother, our sweet aunt, our kind cousin, our good friend went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, August 22, 2022. She was born Irene Lenora Reister on March 24, 1930 to Ora and Elizabeth in Fruitland, Washington where she joined her brothers and sisters: Howard, Mildred, Raymond, and Edith.

In her early years, she lived in many small towns, all of which were located by the Columbia River. The family finally settled in Wilbur, Washington in 1940 where she graduated from high school in 1948. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator at the local Pacific Northwest Telephone Company.

On August 31, 1951, she married Douglas Keith Kennedy in Creston, Washington. God blessed her with three children, Randall, Douglas, and Janet. After staying at home for sixteen years, she went to work for the Wilbur School District in 1968, and retired in 1975 to care for her dear mother.

Mom had been a member of the Community Presbyterian Church since 1956 and during her many years with the church, she fulfilled numerous roles and responsibilities which she greatly enjoyed. She was also a member of the VFW Association and was a member of a group of Wilburites who organized the Wilbur Cemetery Association.

Mom delighted in hosting family gatherings for the holidays, reunions, and pinochle parties. She looked forward to camping, fishing, and huckleberry picking at Swan Lake, a favorite vacation spot for her. She found playing in her yard and garden to be therapeutic. And most of all, she cherished the time that she spent with her granddaughters, Angie (Toots) and Meg (Lil Meg).

She is survived by me, her daughter, Janet (Scott), her granddaughters, Angela and Megan, her nieces and nephews, her cousins, and her many friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Keith, her sons Randy and Doug, her brothers and her sisters, and her niece, Carolyn.

A private family graveside service will be held on October 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. where together she, Keith, Randy, and Doug will rest in peace. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a luncheon at the Wilbur Community Church, 306 SE Trinity, Wilbur WA.

In lieu of flowers, mom requested, for those who wish to, make gifts in her memory to the Scott/Kennedy Fund (Wilbur Community Church, Box 253, Wilbur WA 99185), the Wilbur Cemetery Association (Box 168, Wilbur WA 99185), or to SCRAPS, 6815 E. Trent Ave. Spokane, WA 99212.

I am forever grateful to Horizon Hospice for their Exceptional care of my mom during her last week of life. Mom you are forever in my heart.

Fond memorias and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com for the Kennedy family. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport is caring for the Kennedy family.