It is with hearts full of love that we bid farewell to Virginia A. Kennedy, affectionately known as Ginny, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who passed over on February 16, 2025 at the age of 89. Virginia Ann (Frey) Kennedy was born on March 31, 1935 in Chicago to Erwin Matthew and Catherine (Toohey) Frey. A sixty-four year resident of Cary, Illinois, Ginny’s life was a beautiful testament to family and faith. She was a beacon of generosity, kindness, and unwavering love to all who knew her.

Ginny was the cherished wife of her late husband and best friend Joseph “Joe” Kennedy. They shared a lifetime of love and laughter, and celebrated over 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2019. Together, they built a home filled with joy and a deep appreciation for life’s sacred moments. Whether on a grand European journey, traveling around the US to visit family, or simply enjoying backyard cookouts, Ginny and Joe found happiness in every moment they shared. 

Ginny leaves behind her loving children, Joseph (Patricia) Kennedy III, Patrick (Leslie) Kennedy, John (Page) Kennedy, Mary (Michael) Downing, Timothy (Jennifer) Kennedy, Daniel (Denise) Kennedy, and Michael (Lauren) Kennedy. Her light shines on through her 21 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Catherine “Cathy” Hoffman, in 2020. Above all, she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, treasuring every moment and stories they shared, leaving everyone with memories to last forever.

Receiving her undergraduate degree from Loyola University and master's degree in Education from Lewis University, Ginny enjoyed her profession as an elementary school teacher. As a woman of deep faith, Ginny was an active and devoted member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cary. Her kindness extended beyond her family to the lives of many through her generosity, grace, and unwavering belief in the power of prayer and helping others. She treasured her ministry delivering the eucharist and spiritual peace to those in need, always making new-old friends along the way. Her presence was a gift—her laughter and smile will live in our hearts forever.

Ginny had a great sense of humor, finding joy in every moment. She relished the simple pleasures of life, as well as “the finer things”. She was a dedicated Cub Scout leader and a “taxi driver” for her children’s countless sporting events and activities. When Ginny made a friend, she made a friend for life. She cherished her friendships at Loyola, in the neighborhood, at church, and in her decades-long “James Way” card group. Her love for reading, gardening, and traveling were the highlights of her life. The lessons she taught us in acceptance, kindness, inclusivity, resilience, and faith will continue to shine on through her family.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4-8pm at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:30am at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 410 First Street, Cary, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Virginia A. Kennedy’s memory to First Way Pregnancy (3714 Fairview Avenue, Johnsburg, IL 60051), Annunciation Catholic School (3536 Lafayette Street, Denver, CO 80205), or a local Hospice organization. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Our beloved Ginny has departed this earthly world for a sacred new one where the Cubs always win, Notre Dame never fumbles, and the Loyola Ramblers make the Final Four every year! Her love will remain with us always in the quiet moments, the laughter of her beloved family, and the beauty of a life well-lived. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Ginny: your presence we miss, your memories we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never. God Bless.