Geraldine Kennedy, 96, Dies at Her Sitka Home
- Details
- Category: Obituaries
- Created on Wednesday, 20 May 2020 15:40
- Hits: 5848
Geraldine (Geri) Isabelle Kennedy
Geraldine (Geri) Isabelle Kennedy, 96, died at her Sitka home of age-related causes on May 15, 2020.
She was born at home, in Wrangell, on December 24, 1923, to Nettie (Carrasco) and Paul Young Jones. Vital Statistics says Dec. 21, but her family all swear by Dec. 24. She was the fifth of seven kids – her siblings were Harold, Pauline, Irene, Ernestine (Babe), Frank and Maxine.
Geri’s primary school years were spent in various boarding schools in Southeast Alaska, always with a sibling or two. She graduated in Ketchikan in 1941, then attended one year of school at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas.
After World War II, she married William (Bill) Kennedy, also of Ketchikan, on June 15, 1946, at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church on Woodland Avenue.
Geri worked retail jobs, child care for various friends and relatives, and at Fidalgo Cannery for many summers through the 1970s.
She was not a member of any local clubs or organizations, but she did re-discover her Native culture in the early 1980s. She learned every craft that offered a class; NW Coast basketry, carving, design (formline), engraving, weaving, and regalia-making. Her basketry skills were very appreciated by many, for many years. Liked and loved by just about anyone she met throughout her life, she always had a smile to share, and was good with a surprise occasional one-liner when dealing with life’s challenges
Geri was preceded in death by all of her immediate family, parents and siblings, her husband William (in 1995), and her son Billy (in 1962).
She is survived by her three daughters and one son; Joanna Hendricks (William Kendricks) of Ketchikan, Arlene Kennedy of Sitka, Susan LaFray David LaFray) of Boise, Idaho, and Rob Kennedy (Ann Ludeman Kennedy) of Port Orchard, Washington.
Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, and many others who knew her affectionately as “Aunty Geri” also survive.
No funeral or memorial services are scheduled at this time. Memorial plans for Ketchikan and Seattle will be announced when made.
Login Form
20 YEARS AGO
November 2004
Those who drive on the Blue Lake Road area are being alerted that the gate to the road may close at any time. “Once snow begins, this road can become dangerous very quickly,” the Forest Service said. Once closed, the gate won’t reopen until April.
50 YEARS AGO
November 1974
The head of the American Legion in Alaska is not connected with the mass mailing of a letter to veterans backing the re-election of Gov. Egan. George “Tiger” Inman, Sitka American Legion commander, said today the Legion doesn’t make political endorsements.
Calendar
