When we bought the house next door to Beth & Jack, Beth had a bumper sticker on her car that said "I'm a Good Witch". We wondered what kind of crazy neighbor we had gotten.....  Our fears turned out to be unfounded and we had neighbors that were friendly, sociable and helpful and all of the things you would want in neighbors (and none of the things you wouldn't want).

To John, Kevin, Holly and family,  Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Beth. We spent many hours together in Jane Dunnewold's studio over the years. Beth didn't even know me and picked me up at the airport and took me around like I was her long lost little sister. She was warm,  wise, supportive, welcoming, insightful, fun, funny, sharp as a tack and so much more.  From her I learned nuances about quilting, dyeing fabric and human nature as well as the best spot for breakfast  tacos and how to make frito pie. :^) I'm so grateful for her sharing, generous heart and wonderful laughter. May you always find ways to celebrate her life and her art and know that her spirit and energy live on through all of us. Love and prayers to you all. 

It's hard to imagine Beth's huge personality fitting into a person her size.  Every day I find myself thinking I have to tell her about something I've seen or read.  Just yesterday I was clearing out some beads and thought "I'll put these aside for Beth", then the realization and the sadness came.  I am proud that I own one of her small quilts and get to look at it every time I go into my sewing room.  I get to wonder at the many hedgehogs she gave me because she somehow thought I collected them.  Well, I do now!  And every time I see a hedgehog I'll think of Beth and smile.

Beth was fun to be with. She added an extra element to any gathering. One never knew what to expect, but it almost always included lots of laughter. 

Beth taught me how to bind a quilt.  That sounds like a simple thing, but Beth’s never-fail method was different from those in the quilt-making books I own.  She made me a small sample with the four steps  required, one step per corner. For years, I have used that sample for each quilt I make. I will continue to do so, thinking of Beth each time. 

I miss Beth. 


Beth Kennedy. Loving. Open hearted. Generous. Creative. Colorful. Funny. Supportive. Truth teller. Real. Loved.

Beth became a part of my family when my sister, Holly, married her son, Kevin.  I liked Beth immediately when I met her.  She was so kind to me and very funny!  She always had a smile on her face,  and I enjoyed seeing her laugh.  We spent many holidays together after our families became one, and I always looked forward to seeing her and Papa John.  I also really enjoyed her salads at dinner time!  I remember one Thanksgiving in particular where Beth and I had a chance to visit about her quilts, and she had brought a book that featured one in particular.  I so enjoyed hearing her explain to me all the details of the quilt.  Beth also helped me to get a quilt of mine fixed properly so that I could hang it on my wall.  She knew exactly what needed to be done.  Our holidays will not be the same without this beautiful lady and her smile and laugh at the table.  I will miss her a lot.        

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.   Beth was someone I met during Jane Dunnewold's weekly independent study.  Beth was always so full of cheer and good humor, and she had a wicked sense of humor!  I just loved her, and she was so talented!  I was a great admirer of her work, as well as her passion for human rights.  Sometimes I thought righteous indignation was her default setting!  Truly, she was one of a kind, and she will be sorely missed.  Learning about her death was a gut punch for me.  I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that she will always be remembered fondly by those who knew her.

Beth was a dear friend and one of the kindest people I have known.  Always bringing people and groups together! She was incredibly artistic and talented.   Knowing Beth has enriched my life and artistic pursuits.  John, Kevin and family I extend my deepest sympathy.  Beth loved all of you so much. 

John and Beth have been fixtures in our office for decades. "Mrs. Kennedy" as John always lovingly referred to her, will be very much missed. I hope that John and I continue our friendship for many, many more years.

Pure and simple, Beth was a hoot.  I will miss her so much. 

When I think of Beth:  I see her bright orange hair, turquoise glasses and perfectly done brightly-colored nails; I hear her easy laugh – the one that made me feel so much funnier than I actually am; I sense her love and devotion for her husband, and the deep love and pride she had for her grandchildren and family.  Beth was feisty combined with warmth – the crazy aunt and the loving grandma all combined into one grand lady that was a joy to be with.  Equally important was her creative spirit that imbued her life and person with sparkle.  I was in awe of her incredible talent and considered myself privileged when I became her friend.  

I am deeply thankful for the time I spent with her and I will always treasure every Beth memory.  


John, we'll always remember Beth warmly.  I pray for your comfort in this sad time.
JL

I love Beth.  She has always been an inspiration.  Her colorful appearance and boundless creativity encouraged me to evolve in my artistic endeavors.  She was always dressed beautifully, a wonderful sense of style.  She has always been a good and thoughtful friend and bead show companion.  I will never forget the light and joy she brought to me and to so many others. 

My heart goes out to you John, Kevin, and family.  Beth was my great and loyal friend, admired artist, proud grandma, beautiful wife , mother and mother in law.  She loved her “boys” and thought the world of them. 

Bob and I hope her love and bigger than life spirit will give you lasting  memories of joy when the suffering  journey of grieving eases.  

Sending  hope for comfort and peace to you all.

Cheryl Kalter 

I was so blessed to know Beth and to share our children, Kevin and Holly and our grandsons, John Thomas and James Andrew.  We made great memories each time she and “Papa John” came and joined us for holidays and family gatherings.  Beth was a lovely lady, much loved,  generous, and a much admired and talented artist.  She will be greatly missed.  God bless all who grieve her “home going.” It was my pleasure to know you, Beth.  I can’t believe you’re gone.  💐

I met Beth for the first time in 2003.   A few months later I married her son.  She welcomed me into the Kennedy clan from day 1.  Beth was a vibrant woman who loved her family, especially "da boyz."  Her Grandsons were her pride and joy.  Beth and Papa John were together over 50 years.  They made a great team and loved each other tremendously. I've been reading comments and postings about how much she meant to so many people...all the lives she touched.  I am so blessed to have known her and will miss her dearly. 

To me, Beth was a music person. Soon after meeting her, she gave me her father's xylophone. It came with the story of her father using it in speakeasys and its collapsibility - it could be broken down for transport in 5 minutes - being a necessity when such places were undergoing police raids. I remade the stand out of mahogany but kept the rosewood bars. 

More recently, whenever I saw Beth, she wanted to tell me of the musical progress of grandson James. Not only with me but with others, I believe this was something of great joy to her.

Dear Beth. I have no words to describe how heartsick I am. I will always remember you, especially when I am beading. Our “Tuesday Beading Group” will not be the same without you. You were an inspiration to us all. Rest In Peace my friend. 

Beth was an artist.  A real one.  For the over 30 years I've known her, she's been an inspiration.  She taught me to machine quilt.  That changed my life.  I could actually finish things.  She taught me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things.  She gave me some of her creations.  She gave me confidence to explore, even using colors I don't like.  She inspired me to embellish.  She gave me license to collect.  But, most importantly, she shared her passion for life and art.  She shared her joy.  Life was better with Beth in it.

There's  a gaping hole in our quilting bee.  

OBITUARY

Beth Thomas Kennedy

24 April, 1941 – 14 April, 2021

Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services