Iona Anna Kennedy

Iona Anna Kennedy died peacefully at Veterans Memorial Lodge at the age of 103. Heartfelt thanks to the Lodge staff for their devoted care.

Iona is survived by children Bridget and Andrew (Arlene), and fondly remembered by nieces and nephews Elizabeth (Serge), John (Heather), Richard, Blair (Carol), Boyd, as well as many relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Predeceased by beloved husband Morris of 74 years, son James, daughter Patricia and brother William (Junior) McAuley.

Iona lived through the Depression and numerous family celebrations and sorrows, meeting each with the same steady strength. During a century of changes her core remained constant - a life rooted deeply in her Catholic faith and devotion to family.

She was born in Gaspé and lived with her family in St. Anne de Beaupré and Douglastown, Quebec. She trained as a telephone operator in Montreal. During WW2, she enlisted in Canadian Women’s Army Corps and served three years as Military Police officer and bilingual switchboard operator.

Iona married Morris in 1947 in a little white church in Douglastown, where they built a house and raised their four children. She made her home her first consideration yet found time for many activities in church and community life and accomplished much useful work in both. In the 1990s, they moved to Victoria.

A champion for people with disabilities, she saw value in each person she met and made each feel special. She wrote countless letters, including to famous people. Favourite activities were making scrapbooks, walking, snowshoeing and travelling especially to Ireland and France. Her apple pies and molasses cookies were renowned, as were her colourful flowerbeds.

A Funeral Mass will be held on February 24, at 12:10 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish Church 2060 Haultain St, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at Hatley Memorial Gardens 2050 Sooke Rd, Victoria, BC .