Patricia Ann Kennedy

Patricia “Pat” Kennedy, a lifelong resident of Waukesha, died on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the age of 93.

Pat was born on Feb. 22, 1932, to Donald and Marion (nee: Butterfield) Malone. She attended St. Joseph’s Grade School, Waukesha High School and Carroll College. After graduating from Carroll, Pat taught at several Wisconsin grade schools, including White Rock Elementary in Waukesha.

On Oct. 18, 1958, she married Jim Kennedy and left the teaching world to raise her three children. It was no easy task, as proven by her renowned bumper sticker that read, “Every Mother is a Working Mother.”

She and Jim bought a house when they were married in 1958, despite Jim’s certainty it was a bad investment. Pat lived in it until 2020, when she became one of the first residents of New Perspectives. She enjoyed her time there and was proud to serve as an ambassador.

Family was everything to Pat. That includes her children, grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and the many members of the Kennedy clan who congregate Up North. She also enjoyed her gatherings with the Malones, the children of her late brother.

Pat was an avid Packers fan and for years took an annual road trip to attend a game. Pat was a mild-mannered woman, but she often frightened those around her when watching the Packers.

She was a prolific knitter and known for the personalized Christmas stockings she made for hundreds of friends and family.

Pat will be sadly missed by her children: Ann Kennedy, Eileen (Johnnie Johnson) Kennedy and Pete (Karol) Kennedy; her grandchildren: James (Hilary) Kennedy, Alison (Rob) Kennedy Kohs, Patrick Kennedy and Tess Johnson; and great-grandchildren: Sula, June, and Liam Kennedy and Lillian Kohs.

She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and his siblings: Pat Lehman, Dave (Grace) Kennedy and Jackie (Bob) Hennessy. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael (Donna) Malone.

The Catholic faith was always a centerpiece of Jim and Pat’s lives. They were charter members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave, which will be the location of Pat’s service.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 9:30 AM. until the 11:30 AM funeral Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials are appreciated to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186 or online at https://wccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1448.