Anita Kennedy

Anita Kennedy

After 36 years of touching many lives around her and a five-month fight against cancer, Anita Kennedy met her God on October 23.

Anita grew up in a large, loving family as one of eight children to Patrick and Gretchen Kennedy, who survive her. She was born on July 4, 1978, and forever shared her birthday with the birth of American independence. When she was seven years old, she and her birth brother, Javier, were adopted into the family where she gained three more brothers and three more sisters over time. She is survived by her sister Pilar, her partner Phil and her daughter Kayla (18); brother Todd, his wife Michelle and their children Silas (5) and Willa (3); brother Gil; brother Javier, his wife Sherri and their son Sebastian (5); brother Joel, his wife Julie and their sons Malachy (9) and Walden (6); and sisters Maria and Bianca.

She graduated from Copley High School in 1997. Some of her favorite memories were as a counselor at Camp Christopher in Bath, Ohio from 1995 to 1998, working as a lifeguard and with campers with special needs. Her passion for helping others continued into her career with United Disability Services (UDS) for over 15 years, where she was known as "The Whisperer" for her calm, effective and unique approach for caring for and working with individuals with profound disabilities.

Anita expressed her love and care for others through her creativity - sewing keepsakes and designing mementos for her parents, immediate family and six nieces and nephews. She was godmother to two nephews. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and many heartfelt gifts remain to remind us of her love.

In the last year, Anita trained for and completed her first half marathon. She was training for her first full marathon and was in the best shape of her life when she became ill.

Visiting hours will be held at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road on Sunday, October 26 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 27 at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Anita will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, Anita would have liked donations to be sent to either the Friends of Camp Christopher (PO Box 138134, 2711 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 44334) or UDS (701 S. Main St., Akron, 44311). (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)