Obituary of Winnifred Kennedy

Kennedy, Mary Winnifred (Winnie) nee Morgan October 28, 1932 - April 6, 2015 Her family are so saddened to announce that a loving wife, mother, unwavering friend and fine example to follow has passed away: Winnie Kennedy. She passed peacefully on Monday April 6, 2015 at the age of 82 at the Palliative Care Unit of the Dr. L. A. Miller Centre, St. John's. She was formerly a long time resident of Long Pond, Conception Bay South as well as Bell Island, Labrador City and St. John's. Winnie fought and won two wars with cancer: the first in 1992; the second in 1996. This third time cancer struck the final blow but not without a mighty fight. Given a prognosis of just a few weeks, Winnie battled instead over the course of several months: cancer may have broken her body but never, ever tarnished her faith, spirit, nor will. In the end, satisfied that her work on this earth was finally complete, she simply closed her eyes and moved on. Winnie was predeceased by her parents Henry and Ellen Jane Morgan (Seal Cove, CBS) as well as her brothers Chesley and Robert, infant daughter Kennedy, granddaughter Heather Marie Kennedy and daughter-in-law Debbie Kennedy. She is leaving to mourn - but also to remember and celebrate her time on this earth - her adoring husband of 58 years, Edwin C. (Ed) Kennedy, sons Donald (Elizabeth), Dave (Cynthia), Gary (Julie) and daughter Jennifer Hughes (Michael). In addition, she leaves six grandchildren: Keith, Ryan, Natasha, Samantha, Alexander and Andrew. Winnie was a friend to everyone she met: A very short time after recovering from cancer surgery in August of 1992, she became a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society where she visited other people newly diagnosed with breast cancer - to lend an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on and a smile. She proudly wore her ' yellow shirt' and walked many a survivors' lap at Relays for Life. She always had a nod and a wink and such a quick wit - her comic timing impeccable. She carried on, unwavered, through a second battle with a different type of cancer in 1996. She never missed a beat. She was a born helper and she did that right to her final breath. She was her family's biggest fan and strongest advocate. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to all who ever played a role in Winnie's circle of care as well as the staff of Admiral's Coast Retirement Centre in Kelligrews, where she spent the last three years beside her beloved Ed. Visitation in the James J. Hickey Memorial Funeral Home, Kelligrews on Tuesday from 3 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm. and Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm. Funeral service to take place on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 11 am from St. Peter's Anglican Church, Upper Gullies. Interment in the Anglican Cemetery, Upper Gullies. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made in Winnie's memory to the Newfoundland Labrador branch of the Canadian Cancer Society or The Children Wish Foundation. To sign the guest registry, or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.hickeysfuneralhome.ca 'Ekkie-Mo-Ko', Mom