Judith Kennedy

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Judith “Judy” Kennedy on July 23, 2025 at the age of 82. Judy was a kind, generous, and joyful woman who never hesitated to help others.

Born in 1942 in Boston to the late James and Mildred (Harrison) Leonard, Judy grew up in Brighton and Watertown. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and earned her nursing diploma from Quincy City Hospital School of Nursing.

In 1964, she married Martin “Marty” Kennedy, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a long list of projects. After starting their family in Waltham, they settled in Sudbury, where they’ve lived for more than 50 years.

Judy worked weekends in labor and delivery at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Determined to continue learning, she earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Framingham State College in 1979, while balancing a full course load, part-time work, and a busy household. Her nursing career expanded into roles in infection control, quality assurance, and risk management at Leonard Morse Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital, and Lahey Clinic.

After nearly 40 years in hospitals, Judy was ready for a change. Inspired by her love of gardening, she found a new role at one of her favorite places, Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland. She worked there for many years, tending plants and helping customers in the toy and gift shop.

Judy had a unique way of making people feel seen and cared for. Whether she was casually chatting with someone she just met, advocating for a patient or coworker, or helping someone find the perfect gift, she found meaning in small, everyday kindnesses. Her generosity came naturally, and was usually paired with a prayer to St. Jude. With her sense of playfulness, any gathering with Judy became a memorable occasion.

Judy leaves behind her beloved husband of 60 years and best friend, Martin Kennedy; her daughters Karen McCloskey and her husband David, Linda Shea, and Susan Landry and her fiancé Bob Goulet; and her cherished dog, Charlie. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Mary McCloskey, Riley Kennedy, Brooke Landry, and Sean Landry.

She is also survived by her sister Nancy Lally and her husband Richard, and her brother M. Vincent Leonard and his wife Mary, her sisters-in-law Janet Houghton and Mary Kennedy, as well as many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Please know she loved you all.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization meaningful to Judy because of her devotion to St. Jude and her love of children.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a visitation on Tuesday July 29 from 4 -7pm at Duckett Funeral Home, 656 Boston Post Road (Rt 20), Sudbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday July 30 at 10:00am in St. Bridget’s Church, 830 Worcester Road (Rt 9), Framingham, followed by a burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Sudbury.