Ann (Fitzgerald) Kennedy

Ann Fitzgerald Kennedy “Fitz”, 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by her four children. She was born in Ballycar, Ardnacrusha, County Clare, Ireland. She is predeceased by her parents Ellen Nihill Fitzgerald and John Fitzgerald and her siblings, Patrick (Paddy), Mary (Mai), James, John (Jack), Bridie, Michael, Martin and Tommy. She emigrated to America in 1948 at the age of 24 and lived with her uncle, Michael Nihill and his family in the Hungry Hill section of Springfield. She loved Irish music and spent many happy hours at the Eire club in Springfield as a sought after dance partner. She was fun loving and known to have mischievous tendencies when sharing happy times with friends. Her fits of laughter were iconic and the memory of this will always make us smile.

She met regularly with friends for tea and a good chin wag on Sunday nights; a weekly event not to be missed. Her cooking was legendary and her Irish Bread was a prized addition to any family gathering. Her special egg sandwiches were a favorite with her grandchildren. We will miss her leg of lamb and apple pies. She was an avid and rather loud supporter of her children and grandchildren at their athletic events. She was a devout Catholic believing that how you lived your life and how you treated people made a difference. The lessons she taught of working hard and being kind to others will live on through her family. Her generosity of spirit will long be remembered.

In retirement, after a short career as a Realtor, she moved to the Cape for 13 years and warmly welcomed family to Nathan’s Way year round to enjoy the beach. She delighted in visits from her friends and family, especially her grandchildren whom she loved dearly and will always watch over.

Her life changed forever when she met a handsome sailor, recently discharged from the Navy. Her “Bobby” was the love of her life and true life partner for 63 years. They were married in 1953 and became inseparable. Together they raised four children, Theresa, Geraldine, John (Beth Kondracki) and Joe (Cindy Matte). Her life revolved around her family. There was no question who or what was important in her life. She had ten grandchildren whom she cherished: Kerah Henebery (Ryan), Andrew Coyne, Kristen Abdelmaseh (Derek), Christopher Kennedy, Daniel Coyne (Lisa), Timothy Kennedy, Jonathan Coyne (Kellie), Kaila Kennedy (Peter), Meaghan Kennedy and Matthew Kennedy and two great-granddaughters Reagan and Jillian Henebery. She was predeceased by her husband Robert J. Kennedy in 2017. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, New York, Ireland and England as well as a few close friends.

The lives she touched have been forever changed. Her memory will be cherished. A mass of remembrance will be celebrated when COVID restrictions are loosened. Donations may be made in her memory to the Women’s Lunch Place PO Box 170900 Boston, MA.02117.

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