Elynn Rae Kennedy

She was the third of four daughters. Her sisters Beverley Anne and Joan Marie have preceded her in death. She came to the United States and married Robert Friedrich in 1961. They had three daughters: Connie Marie, Heather Lynn and Sherree Rene’e.

In 1972 she married Major Charles Joseph Baker in Colorado Springs, CO. A widower who had 4 small children whom Elynn raised: Charles Jr. “Chuck”, Susan, Stephen, and Elizabeth “Lisa”. Her life in Colorado was fun with many friends and lots of family. Elynn was a very fearless and driven woman and let no barrier stand in her way. She was in various fields of employment and had an entrepreneurial spirit which led her to own a deli and catering business. She later became a computer technician in the gaming industry. She toured England and trained the English on how to operate the electronic Bingo machines. She had an amazing way to connect with people and always had a “Your New Best Friend” attitude. She became the first woman District Governor for Lions Club International. She and her husband Chuck remained active members until his passing in 2003.

After becoming a widow, she was transferred to Palm Desert, CA as the computer technician and trainer for her company in the gaming industry in the Coachella Valley. She did not know a soul in California, but she forged on. She met a wonderful man, Ralph Kennedy, a widower, in the Solos Club in Sun City Palm Desert where she had moved to. Ralph has a daughter, Sophanny Gordon and 2 nephews, Patrick Kennedy, and Ryan Guenther. Elynn and Ralph came from wonderful marriages and believed in the institution of marriage. She rebuilt her life in California and found joy and happiness. She married Ralph on March 17, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Desert. Both retired and enjoying their life, they decided in 2006, to go into real estate and formed a dynamic duo and became top producers in their company, selling in Sun City Palm Desert where they resided. In 2010, Araceli Vazquez joined them and had a very successful career in real estate as The Kennedy Team.

Elynn had a zest for life and was very active in her community. She was an avid golfer and was president of the Sun City Palm Desert Women’s Golf Association. She belonged to the Canadian Club in SCPD. She enjoyed guitar and singing lessons among other hobbies. Her dream car had always been a Guards Red Porsche Boxster and in 2016 her dream came true! She and Ralph took many wonderful road trips traveling all over the country and Canada for months at a time. She became an active member and Vice president of the Porsche Club of America Riverside Region, participating in many Porsche Parades and Treffens throughout the US and Canada.

In 2014, she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) which is scarring and hardening of the lungs, but that didn’t stop her. She would say “no rocking chair for me”. She and Ralph traveled even more, going to places like Ireland, climbing to the top of Blarney Castle, Scotland and England and many road trips to exciting places and visited with friends and family. She was always very grateful to have met wonderful people who gave her hope and inspiration to go through her ailment. When people asked her how she did it, she would say “Faith and Attitude” and she sure had both and in that order! She became a PFF Ambassador (pulmonary fibrosis) and gave several talks and support to others with the same ailment and to medical professionals.

Elynn was called to be with the Lord on September 23, 2021, while on a two-month vacation in Victoria Canada. Enjoying her time with friends and the Victoria Porsche Club.

She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Ralph, her 7 children, Ralph’s family, her sister Rosma Jean “Sue” and her family in Canada, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and many, many friends that she cultivated throughout her amazing life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the Kennedy family.