Patricia Joan Kennedy

On November 25, Patricia Joan Kennedy took her last breath. Born November 1, 1938 to Marcella Mae and Thomas Nicholas New, she was a one-of-a-kind person who impacted everyone she met. A bright and shining light, she taught many lessons – to live life to the fullest, that everyone and thing deserve love and respect, and to love and be true to one’s self. Full of spunk and wonder, she never missed an opportunity to live – from being an ordained minister, working with the Dalai Lama and Tibetan monks, and playing with elephants in Bangkok to building orphanages in Belize, joining the Air Force, and even graduating Clown College – she was a remarkable woman. She is survived by her sister Nancy (New) Vickers, children Merry Purvis, Richard Thomas and Randy Fletcher, grandchildren Courtney (Purvis) Halbig, Richard Thomas Jr. and Randy Thomas, and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Tommy New Jr. and Pamela Lykins, and husband V. Earl Kennedy. The family would like to extend particular gratitude to the sixth floor staff at St. Vincent’s, who took exceptional care in her final days. On Saturday, December 15th, a visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, Indiana 46013, immediately followed by a celebration of her magnificent life – all are welcome to join. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Animal Protection League, in honor of Patricia. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” You may post online condolences at www.brownbutzdiedring.com.