Obituary of Esther Kennedy

Esther M. (Patturelli) Kennedy, passed away after a long illness at the Genesis Westford House in Westford on Monday morning, September 22, 2008. The wife of the late Robert T. Kennedy, she was 79 years old. Esther was born in Boston. She was one of six children born to Italian immigrants, the late Fernando and Concetta Patturelli. She grew up in Medford and was a graduate of St. Clement’s High School in Somerville. She married her husband, Bob and they eventually settled in Burlington where they raised their 5 children. Esther was a loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked with her husband and her son Henry running their own business, called Kennedy Professional Supplies, which they founded in 1968. They worked hard to grow the business, which started in Framingham, and then moved to Woburn, Burlington, and finally Westford. In her retirement years, Esther and Bob would travel back and forth to Orange Blossom Garden in Florida, where they enjoyed spending the winters. Esther enjoyed traveling, going to Bingo, and playing cards. She was a loving mother, who was always on the sidelines of her children’s sporting events cheering them on. She enjoyed attending the many socials, activities, and fundraisers held at the Burlington Knights of Columbus. Esther enjoyed the time spent her family and friends and will be lovingly remembered. Esther is the beloved wife of the late Robert T. Kennedy. She is he loving mother of Teresa A. Jones of Townsend, Robert T. Kennedy, Jr. & his wife Deborah of Townsend, James J. Kennedy of Chelmsford, Edward D. Kennedy of Westford, and the late Henry Kennedy. She is the sister of the late Henry, Carlo, Fred, Ernest & Joseph Patturelli. She is the sister-in-law of Mary Flemming of Fitchburg and Jeanne Horton of CA. Esther is also survived by 12 grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Esther’s name may be made to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 www.dana-farber.org or Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114 www.mass.wish.org. A Message from Terry The family would like to thank all family members and friends who have supported us through these few days. Our mother was the strength of our family. She was our rock. Through all the obstacles in her life, she stood tall. Those who did not know her that might have thought she was a quiet woman, but she was a feisty, opinionated, stubborn Italian. Just ask her husband Bob who was the stubborn Irishman. No one looked forward to the holidays more than she did. It was of the utmost importance that everyone was together during these times. She wasn’t a fancy person, the grandchildren’s Christmas presents were unwrapped in brown corrugated boxes because if she wrapped them she would have to start on the 4th of July. During these times spent with her children and grandchildren, she seemed the happiest. Although there was never a shortage of food, someone should have introduced her to the spice rack. She was a strict mother of her 5 children, but when it came to her grandchildren they could do no wrong. She was a very religious woman who taught us right from wrong, respect and the meaning of true family life. Beginning with Sunday dinners at her mother’s home in Medford, she showed us the importance of gathering as a family for dinner. During those Sunday trips we also learned dinner was followed by Pokeno, Whist, and other various card games, which involved the exchange of money. Another thing we learned was in order to be heard you need to really speak up. Boy was it loud! When Mom and Dad moved to Florida, they couldn’t wait for us to visit with the grandchildren. Ma would always have the Disney passes and we had to be the first ones there. She knew how to work the system and took full advantage of a wheelchair. As we say goodbye to Ma, Nana, Esther, we will always remember the good times and try to pass on your values, faith and love to the future family members. We love you. Rest in peace. P.S. Dad your peace is over!