Obituary of Rose Kennedy

Alma Rose Kennedy, raised largely in New York City, was the second of three daughters born to John and Alice Hughes. Rose, as she was fondly known to family and friends, grew up in the Bronx with her sisters, Aileen and Alice. It was there that she attended Saint Nicholas of Tolentine School.

Rose met, dated, fell in love with and married John J. Kennedy. The young couple raised four active sons. In 1971, they moved from their small apartment in the Bronx to a home in Manhasset. There Rose became involved with and supported numerous community functions, including within the St Mary’s parish. 

Though Rose, in 2005, was deeply saddened by the passing of her loving husband, John, she nonetheless carried on maintaining an active career. She continued to provide administrative functions for local legal firms for over a decade. Eventually, due to the onset of overwhelming health issues, Rose, much to her dismay at the loss of her independence, accepted the fact that she required the assistance from her sons and daughter-in-law to deal with her health issues. 

During this phase, however, she was able to enjoy different aspects of life, including taking cruises and visits to Ireland, Normandy, Greece and Florida, as well as attending family events such as the graduations of each of her grandchildren and the wedding of her grandson. Most recently, she had the chance that few people live long enough to do - hold her great-grandson! 

However, continued declines in her health caused increasing limitations in her abilities in the past few years. The mind was strong but unfortunately her body gave out. Heart and lung issues became too great and Rose passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2024 at eighty-five years of age.

She is survived by her loving family, sons John and his wife Jeannie, Michael, Martin and his fiancé Denise, and Thomas; grandson Brendan and his wife Michelle and their young son; granddaughters Meaghan and Nicole; her dear sister Alice; her loving cousins, nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Francis Breadline.

( StFrancisBreadline.org )

A memorial service will be held at Fairchild Sons Funeral Chapel, 1570 Northern Boulevard, 3-5 pm / 7-9 pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024.