Martha Kennedy Kuelper

Martha “Pat” Kennedy Kuelper died peacefully on February 24th. It was a Saturday evening with a beautiful full moon in the night sky. Pat was born in Evanston, IL and grew up in nearby Glencoe, IL. She attended and graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. During her teens, Pat excelled in sports. She loved horseback riding, speed skating, and field hockey. She made friends easily and remained in close contact with her high school friends throughout her life. She attended the University of Illinois seeking a degree in Child Psychology and spent several summers working on ranches in Montana and Wyoming.

Pat met her first husband, Traver Tomberlin, in college and they married in 1948. They had three wonderful children, Randy, Terry, and Traver, but sadly the marriage ended in divorce. During Pat’s second pregnancy she contracted Polio. Pat was told she may never walk again, but she was a “fighter” and eventually regained the use of her legs going on to enjoy horseback riding, racquet sports, golf, and skiing for many years.

After her divorce, Pat returned to Glencoe and taught nursery school. She always had a special love and way with children. She was introduced to her second husband, D’Arcy Kennedy, by mutual friends. D’Arcy was a Yale graduate and widower who worked for Alcoa Aluminum. Pat and D’Arcy were married in 1960 and settled in Pittsburgh, PA where her fourth child, Nancy, was born. The entire family moved to Lausanne, Switzerland in 1962 where D’Arcy worked at the Alcoa International headquarters. They spent eight adventure filled years in Switzerland traveling all over Europe, skiing, and making life long friendships. They returned to Pittsburgh, PA for several years where Pat again taught nursery school while raising her four children. When her children were grown, they moved to Annapolis, MD. Pat and D’Arcy enjoyed sailing and exploring the area together. Pat loved the history in Annapolis and quickly became an official Annapolis “tour guide”while there. In 1985, D’Arcy retired and they moved to Pelican Cove in Sarasota, FL. Pat continued to stay busy with tennis, biking, selling real estate, and having her children and grandchildren come for sunny vacations. In 1988, D’Arcy passed away.

Through a mutual interest in Jazz Pat met her third husband, Bob Kuelper, also a resident of Pelican Cove. They were married in 1993 in Marblehead, MA with all of their children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate. In 2003, they moved from Pelican Cove to Village Walk on Palmer Ranch. Pat and Bob loved having a house again and enjoyed entertaining friends and family. They were also members of a small beach club on Casey Key that they truly enjoyed. They spent their summers at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Pat and Bob traveled extensively all over Europe, Turkey, Greece, and even Russia. In 2013, after 20 wonderful years together Bob passed away.

Pat moved to The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch in 2015. Pat was a popular Glenridge member often known for her outgoing personality and joie de vivre! She spent several years enjoying the many Sarasota arts, playing bridge, and spending time with her close friends and family.

Pat is survived by a large and loving family. Her four children Randy Kennedy (Bill) of New York, NY, Traver Kennedy (Christiane) of St.Louis, MO, Terry Jamieson (Larry) of Sarasota FL and Nancy Snadecki (Doug) of Marblehead, MA. As well as a niece Bobbie Powell and a nephew John Griffith of Southern CA. She leaves behind 11 grandchildren who adored her, Kate (Rubin), Graeme (Stephanie), Elizabeth (Tristan), Summer, Cory (Erica), Alex (Ann), Emily, Max (Kylie), Haley (Nick), Drew (Petra), Sara and 15 wonderful great grandchildren. Pat was a remarkable and fun-loving person who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.