Norma Veronica Kennedy James

Our mom, Norma Veronica Kennedy Roberts James, 2/14/22-3/15/16, left this earth after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Sydney, Australia, she was predeceased by parents, Anne Murray Kennedy Carter (nee Murray) and Ronald Rankin Kennedy; stepfather, Harry Carter; sisters, Gloria Kennedy Moir and Katherine (Kitty) Kennedy Sills; and grandmother, Catherine Halvey Murray. Survived by: daughters, Anne Kennedy Roberts Warner (Graham) and Victoria Catherine Roberts (Richard Hoffman); ex-husband, Erik James, who was her devoted, loving companion; ex-husband, A. L. (Robby) Roberts (our Dad); grandson, Todd A. Warner (Dena); granddaughter, Madison Marie Warner; & numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Our Mom had a reverence for all things artistic. She had a terrific sense of humor, contagious laugh, was charmingly friendly, painted in oils, played the piano by ear, and loved music and dancing. And boy, could she throw a party! She had a deep love for philosophical, humanistic people, including Mother Teresa, Pope John XXIII, and of course, St. Mary MacKillop, the Australian People’s Saint. Mom was glamorous and loved dressing up ‘to the nines’; she never left the house without putting on her ‘face’. As she told us, while growing up in Sydney, she was very competitive with her sisters, Kitty and Gloria—especially when it came to who was the vainest!

While in our teens, Mom always welcomed our friends and made them feel at home. They loved hearing her ‘talk Aussie’. She always made time and had a special word for all of them.

Mom came to the United States as a World War II bride; she missed her Aussie family tremendously and gave up much to be with her American family. However, she ensured our lives were enriched with trips to Australia; we developed loving, long lasting relationships with our Aussie aunts, uncles and cousins. And the terrific Aussie foods, including crumpets, sausage rolls, scones, and damper bread – wow, don’t even get us started! Last but not least, we became fluent in Aussie slang, like: cheerio, ta-ta, pip-pip, cooee, fair dinkum, and ‘Bob’s your uncle’!

Our entire family extends special heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cross Care Center (formerly All Saints Catholic Nursing Home) for their extremely devoted, loving care of our Mom over the last three years. We also wish to thank all our family and friends for their love, support, prayers and encouragement. You have all made this journey so much easier. We love you, Mom, and will keep you in our hearts always.

Visitation Sat. 3/19/16: 12:00 noon; memorial service at 1:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., 32223, 904-288-0025. Reception following at Warner residence, 812 Worth Road, St. Johns, FL 32259. Flowers are graciously accepted or memorial donations to the ALS Association FL Chapter, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, FL 33619 or Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jax 32216 are also welcomed.