Doris Madary Kennedy

As her legacy she leaves her beloved children, Leslie Ciolino (Ronnie), Lester Kennedy, Jr. (Diane), Kirk Kennedy (Tricia), Patrick Kennedy (Pam), and son-in-law, Barry Theriot. Dee “MawMaw” is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Jeff (Anna), Brad (Brandi) and Kevin Ciolino (Brandy), Aaron (Sutherland) and Shane Kennedy, Jill Gaudet (Jeremy), Brian (Jamie) and Daniel Theriot and Mary Foster (Grant), Krystal and Kirk Jr. Kennedy, Michael and Matthew Kennedy (Jazmin) and Emily Canuto (Ronan); 21 great grandchildren, Jeremy, Jared, and Jena Gaudet, Zoe Kennedy Weber, Brison and Emma Theriot, Riley and Sophie Ciolino, Elijah and Lucy Ciolino, Quinn Austin, Grant and Gray Foster, Paisley and Dylan Theriot, Wylds and Worth Kennedy, Wells and Siena Ciolino, Micah Canuto, and Lucía Kennedy; as well as many other family and friends.

Doris is preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Lester Kennedy Sr., her daughter, Christy Kennedy Theriot, her infant son, and her brother, William Madary II.

Born in New Orleans on August 28, 1931, Doris was the daughter of the late William Henry and Emily Duffel Madary. She attended Our Lady Star of the Sea School and then went on to graduate from St Joseph Academy. During high school, she was voted Warren Easton's Homecoming Queen. In 1950 Doris and Lester married and soon began raising their children. After moving to the Westgate neighborhood in 1958, the family grew and in all that Doris did, her faith and deep love for others shined through. Whether in prayer groups at St. Lawrence, volunteering with the Rummel Parent’s Club, or serving as a Eucharistic minister at St. Philip Neri, she embraced every community with open arms and a heart ready to serve. She was awarded the St Louis Medallion by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for generously sharing her time and talents in outstanding service to her parish.

Through both organized groups, such as her Bunco group and Chatty Chicks, and informal gatherings with friends at Clearview Mall or in her home, Dee recognized the enduring power and importance of friendship.

As matriarch of the Kennedy family, Doris served as the heart and home of her family. Her house was everyone's favorite, not just because of the delicious meals she cooked every Tuesday night, but because being in MawMaw's presence filled your soul with joy. She was the person others would come to for advice, prayers, and everything in between. The light, joy, and warmth she emulated drew people not only to herself, but ultimately, to Christ.

She will be remembered for her deep and enduring faith in Jesus and His Church as well as a beautiful devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph.

The world was made a better place for having been blessed with the life of Doris Madary Kennedy.

Services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at St. Philip Neri Church, 6500 Kawanee Ave Metairie, LA 70003. Visitation will begin at 11:00AM followed by mass at 12:00PM. The interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider masses or donations to Sisters, Servants of Mary.