Joy Kennedy

Joy Long Kennedy, 96 of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully at Porter Hills Retirement Community on May 2nd, 2019.  Joy was born in Detroit.  During the depression her family moved to Grand Rapids, where she attended Ottawa Hills High School.  She married Jack Kennedy in 1950.  She volunteered for many organizations through the years including Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Butterworth Junior Diet Kitchen Guild, and National Ski Patrol.  After her children graduated from high school she worked for Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus and then with her husband at Grand Rapids Bedding Company until 1991.  

She enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, and bowling.  She spent 32 wonderful summers at their South Haven condo socializing with friends and having her children and grandchildren visit.  She even started a social group at Porter Hills Retirement Village.    

She was preceded in death by her husband in August of 2018.  She is survived by her daughter Karen Kennedy Squires of Salt Lake City, son Kim Kennedy and son-in-law Dale Shannon of Grand Rapids, 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of life will be held at 11am Saturday July 20th at The Meeting House, Porter Hills Retirement Community.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Porter Hills Foundation, 4450 Cascade Rd SE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. 

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