Janet Kennedy

Janet E. (Morgan) Kennedy, 82, of Auburn, formerly of Worcester, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015, at the home she shared with her daughter, surrounded by loving family. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-seven years, William A. Kennedy, Jr. Janet is survived by a son, Timothy B. Kennedy of Worcester; two daughters, Kathleen A. Cronin and her husband John H. Cronin, Jr. and Jane Ellen Pyche and her husband Brian Pyche, all of Auburn; a sister, Ruth Menecuth of Clinton; four grandchildren, Meghan K. Cronin and her fiancé Shawna Silvia, Mark D. Cronin and his wife Katelynne Moore Cronin, Anna-Mei Pyche, and James M. Kennedy; three step-grandchildren, Andrew, Brian, and Robert Heald; a great granddaughter, Gabrielle Silvia; and her best friend, since nursing school, Beverly Prue of Northbridge. She was predeceased by her daughter in law, Lisa Kennedy. Janet was born in Clinton, daughter of the late, Charles W. and Mary (Alton) Morgan. Janet graduated from the former Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing, and worked for many years as a Registered Nurse. She began her career of caring for others at Hahnemann Hospital and later at Worcester State Hospital. She then worked at the former Worcester City Hospital, before going to work at Knowllwood Nursing Home, where she worked for many years, before retiring. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She enjoyed antiquing, shopping and spending time at the beaches in Rhode Island. She was a woman who dedicated her life to caring for others, and was very patriotic. Her greatest passion was her family; being surrounded by her children and grandchildren was one of her life's greatest joys. She ensured family togetherness, by regularly hosting Sunday gatherings at her home. Janet's family would like to thank all of the wonderful "angels" at Compassionate Care Hospice, especially Dr. Eloy H. Nolivas and Joy Niemiera. A special thanks to Tim's girlfriend, Carolyn Boyd, for using her skills as a nurse, to help ease the responsibilities and stresses of the family. The love and care shown to Janet and her family will be remembered for a long time to come. Calling hours will be held on Friday morning, February 6, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton Street, Worcester, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.