Phyllis Louisa Kennedy

Thursday, June 10: Kennedy, Phyllis Louisa, age 85 at The Garden Home in Charlottetown. Dear wife of the late Keith Orr Kennedy of Kensington, cherished mother of Nancy Smitheram (Verner) West Covehead, Preston (Denise) Greenville S.C., David (Cathy) Freetown and Bruce (Lynn) Greenville S.C. Grammy to Jamie Smitheram, Philip, Emily and Jon Kennedy, Jennifer, Connor and Michael Kennedy, and Ryan (Sylvia) and Jarrod (Fiancé Laura) Kennedy. Great-grandmother to Keith and Blake Kennedy. Sister to Glenn, Earl and Clarence Porter, who all predeceased her.

Born near the tiny town of Endeavour, Saskatchewan in 1924, Phyllis moved to Dedham Massachusetts where she spent the next twenty years, returning to the birthplace of her mother, Spring Brook, Prince Edward Island every summer. Here she met Keith, beginning a summer courtship that lasted ten years, until their marriage. Also, at this time, Phyllis proudly served in The United States Navy Women’s Hospital Corps (WAVES) during World War 11, stationed at Corvallis on the Pacific coast.

In 1949 Phyllis moved to her beloved Island, and began to raise her family with Keith and join in community activities as a member of the Kensington United Church, Girl Guides, and Home and School.

Phyllis had a life long passion for and knowledge of literature, music, art and the natural world which was well shared with family and friends. So many books, so little time. Phyllis became an expert tole painter later in life and enjoyed taking classes with her circle of friends. She never lost her sense of joy in the simple delights of life and was happiest with her “chicks” and Keith at their cottage on Cousin’s Shore.

In failing health but not humour for some years, Phyllis received wonderful care and made dear friends at MacEwen’s Mews and The Garden Home.

Resting at the Davison Funeral Home Kensington. No visitation by personal request. Cremation has taken place. Private funeral service will be held on Monday June 14, 2010 in the Davison Funeral Home Chapel. Interment in People’s Cemetery Kensington. In honour of Phyllis’ memory, share a book, spend a day at the beach, sing; she would love any donations to be sent to the nearest humane society or the People’s Cemetery Fund.

Phyllis loved poetry; one of her favorite passages was from William Blake:

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand

And a heaven in a wild flower,

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand

And Eternity in an hour,”