Dear family,
I was sorry to hear of Mrs Kennedy's passing, but am very grateful to have had the privilege of being her student for about 10 years. She was a hard worker and expected nothing less of her students. Some lessons were filled with tears, as she taught with a firm tone, tapping that pencil on the edge of the piano to keep me in time, but always ended with kind words of encouragement and compassion. I still have today the trophies, award certificates, rating slips and many old programs acquired over those years. They are good memories for me and testify of a great teacher. Her efforts invested in me are still being used today, as I now am able to instruct my daughter out of some of the very same books she used to teach me. The only regret I have was to have not been there to bid a final farewell. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so thankful for the gift of music God so abundantly blessed her with and that she in turn used it to bless my life. Thank you again Mrs Kennedy!

My condolences to Rochelle Blanchard and to the families loss of a great woman, musician; Irene Kennedy. I have so many fond memories: our conversations over the years, both members of the Flint Music Teachers Association, and the pleasure to have worked with her at The Flint Institute of Music. She was a great inspiration to her students.
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.

I wish i was there with you all. there are so many memories I have and retreived on a daily basis from growing up among both sets of my grandparents. i consider myself lucky because of that. In grandma kennedys case,I was exposed to the most beautiful music of all time, and also was exposed to a european immagrant mind set. The idea that you can make something out of nothing just out of sheer will, and can make your own world the way you see fit, and make your own way in the world foe the better of your children or others is what I gained from her. Also to stand up for people who speak a different lanquage or come from a different culture. To value people on their own merits, and their own inteligences and talents, regardless of their background. Please excuse my lack of capitalization. Pass on her good will.

We are grateful that our sons, Clifford and Kevin, experienced the challenges and joys of studying piano with Irene. Her spirit lives on in our lives. 

Katherine and Clifford Cox

Dear Mom,  I was sorry to here of your mom passing away.  I can remember driving to Flint for some holidays and pulling up to the front of her house and hearing the piano being played. To this day, i think of her when i hear that sound. I never really got to know her, so i don't know if she passed on a tradition or you started one on your own of how to love your family.  You make us all feel very special.

Dear Mom, I was sorry to hear about your mom passing away.  I never really got to know her the way i wished i could have.  There were many times when we would go to Flint for a holiday and the first thing we would here was a piano playing as soon as we would open the car door.  When i hear a piano to this day, i think of your mom.  Your kids are very lucky that Irene had a daughter that loves all of us so much.  We love you Mom

I was grateful that my daughters, Laura Sorys (Sprague) and Sandy Doe (Sprague), were blessed 
by having Mrs. Kennedy as their piano teacher.  
Mrs. Kennedy did more than teach – she helped shape their lives by her example of discipline, gentleness and caring.  She was a very special person and touched many lives – including parents of her students.  
Mrs. Irene Kennedy will be missed, but live on in the memories of all who knew her.

Our hearts and prayers are with you. We love you so much!  There are many cherished memories of family times together. The life's she touched in Flint with her influence and knowlege for music and piano will be remembered.   Love, Jim, Kristen, Kaitlin and Ryan

Rochelle, we are so sorry to hear of your Mother's death.  We have fond memories of her music coming from your home.  God Bless you and your family.

Phyllis Ehrlich-Penso
Janet Ehrlich Bellant
Mary Ehrlich Loe

OBITUARY

Irene E. Kennedy

19 February, 1915 – 3 September, 2012

Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home

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