Josephine Agnes Kennedy

Josephine A. (McCann) Kennedy, 95, of Lynn, passed away November 1st at her home of 66 years surrounded by her loving family after a strong and courageous battle with failing health. Born and raised in Chelsea, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Theresa (Claffey) McCann. She was the beloved wife of the late John T. Kennedy.

She was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1944 and Bryant and Stratton Business School. Always sharp with numbers, she was employed in the banking industry and worked in payroll at the GE while raising her family. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and the former St. Patrick’s Church where she was Prefect of Ladies Sodality and a CCD teacher for many years. She enjoyed her many travels with her husband and children with her favorites being San Francisco and Hawaii.

Affectionately known as Josie and Nana K, she took love and pride in her large family and hosted many holiday gatherings. She had a keen interest in all aspects of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives. Her sharp mind kept her on top of all the news, weather and sports, and all the coming and goings from all her numerous family members and their friends that came through her open door. She was a great listener and truly took interest and loved to hear all about things going on in the lives of her loved ones and in her neighborhood. She was a beautiful lady who was filled with grace, kindness, curiosity, compliments and generosity. She taught all of these beautiful values to her family. She will be deeply missed and we will forever be honored to be the children and family of a true Matriarch.

Devoted mother of 8, she leaves behind her children, Kathy and Don Rouse of Ossipee, NH, Jack and Chrissy Kennedy of Centennial, CO, Chris and Debbie Kennedy of Swampscott, Maureen Casey of Lynn, Jim and Christine Kennedy of Lynn, Eileen and Melvin Satterwhite of Lynn, Daniel Kennedy of Lynn and Charleen Kennedy of Lynn.

She also leaves her grandchildren Doug Rouse, Tim (Brie) Rouse, Christopher (Stephanie) Rouse, Erin and Katie Kennedy and Maggie (Mike) Betts, Amy (Matt) Malone, Rachel (Patrick Caggiano) Kennedy, Sophia Kennedy, Ryan (Ashley) Casey, Katelyn (Wayne Bonkowski) Kennedy, Cameron Kennedy and Julia Kennedy, Joleen Satterwhite, Michael (Andrea) Satterwhite, 15 great grandchildren, her brother-in-law Edward Buonopane, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by all of her siblings, Theresa Keough, Rita Jensen, Eleanor Cataldo, Dorothy Buonopane, Peter, Charles and James McCann and sisters-in-law Letitia and Claire Kennedy.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her extended care team, especially her nurse Annie.

A funeral Mass for Josephine will be held in the St. Mary's Church, 8 So. Common St., Lynn, on Monday November 7, at 9am. Please meet directly at the church. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2pm – 6pm in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St. Lynn. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society, nationalmssociety.org

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