Obituary of Arlene C. Kennedy

Arlene Catherine Kennedy, of Madison, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Morristown Medical Center. She was 90.

Arlene was born in Irvington on October 9, 1932. She was raised in Maplewood and was a graduate of Columbia High School. 

Arlene married her beloved husband, Lawrence William Kennedy in 1957 and in 1963 the couple settled in Madison where they raised their three children, Kevin, Karen and John. She was a wonderful mother and proud grandmother to four grandchildren.

Arlene had a long career as an insurance agent with the Ziegler Insurance Agency in Madison before retiring over twenty-five years ago. 

Both before and after her retirement, Arlene was deeply devoted to St. Vincent Martyr Church, dedicating many decades of faithful service to the parish. She served the church in various capacities over the years such as church sacristan, assisting with baptisms & weddings, funeral ministry member & liturgy committee member. Arlene was a friendly, familiar face at St. Vincent’s whose presence brought comfort and warmth to everyone whose lives she touched.  

Arlene will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. 

Arlene is survived by her two sons, Kevin Kennedy and his wife, Marie & John Kennedy and his wife Mary Joan; one daughter, Karen Kennedy; four cherished grandchildren, Jessica Lynn Kennedy, Matthew Russell Kennedy, John Edward Kennedy & Norah Rosaleen Kennedy; one sister-in-law, Kathleen Kelly Wierdo; and dear nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence William Kennedy; and her brother, Richard James Wierdo.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Arlene on Monday, October 2, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Arlene’s memory may be made to St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison, 07940.