Barbara A Neidlinger Kennedy

Barbara Ann (Neidlinger) Kennedy, 73, went to be with her Lord after a courageous battle with cancer on September 15, 2013. Barb grew up in Muskegon Heights with her parents Frank and Evadine Neidlinger and her brother Frank Jr. who all preceded her in death. Barb was a proud Muskegon Heights “Tiger” and involved in planning many class reunions. Her husband Alan Kennedy survives her along with five of her six children: Renae Hesselink, Timothy Hesselink both in Muskegon, Craig (Laurie) Hesselink in Westfield, IN, and Kay Harris (Ed) Bonyak in Lynchburg, VA and Gayle Harris (Scott) Evans in Plainwell, MI. Her son Robert Hesselink preceded her in death in 2011. She is also survived by eight grandchildren who she adored: Jakob, Kaley, Cole Evans, Tyler and Evan Hesselink, Sarah and Hannah Bonyak and Ashley Hesselink, two great grand-children and by her sister Linda (Jim) Reynolds with whom she was united with as an adult and became very close. Other survivors include: Brother In-Laws Chuck Kennedy and Larry (Luanne) Kennedy and many nieces and nephews. Barb held her sense of humor to the very end and loved being with family and friends. She enjoyed quilting, knitting and working in the garden and was a Master Gardener. She worked for many years in the medical billing field and lived in several areas of Michigan where she and Al met many wonderful life-long friends. In 1995 they moved back to Muskegon, this was home. Barb was active in the American Cancer Society of Mecosta and VanBuren Counties and a member of the local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. In lieu of flowers Barb asked that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org) or the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/index). A special thank you to the staff at the Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence, they were so kind and helpful during this journey http://www.harborhospicemi.org/pg/How_to_Give). At Barb’s request there will be a private family burial. Please celebrate Barb’s life and share your memories at www.everrestfuneralhomeandchapel.com.