|
.jpg)
Cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, Sandra Kennedy passed away last Saturday, April 30, 2022, at her home in Boca Raton, Florida. She lived a life of humor, dignity, and compassion and died at home surrounded by the love of her family.
Mom was born Sandra Lois Freyn on September 14, 1943, to parents, Harry Louis Freyn Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, and Helen Josephine King of Montclair, NJ. She grew up in Montclair with her mother, stepfather John Grover, and siblings Carol King, Jon Grover, and Katherine Grover.
Sandra attracted and maintained lifelong friendships through her early childhood on Beverly Road and Essex Avenue, attending Watching Elementary School, George Innes Middle School, and graduating from Montclair High School in 1961.
After going to Lake Forest College in Illinois, she married Kenneth Welton in 1963 and moved back to Montclair. We, her three children, Margaret Welton, Matthew Welton, and Jennifer Welton, were all born at Mountainside Hospital. Sandra subsequently married James Kennedy, another Montclair native, in 1980, and they resided for many years on Summit Avenue. Many remember her driving a red Montero jeep with 2 or 3 dogs.
Known for her bright smile and enthusiasm she earned the nickname Sassy and was a huge presence in the lives of her friends and family. She encouraged any reason to gather and was at the center of a perpetual calendar of meals, events, celebrations, retreats, reunions, and holiday gift exchanges. Over the years, Mom volunteered with Hospice, the Montclair Junior League, and Mountainside Hospital and helped organize several seasons of the Christmas Charity Bazaar at Central Presbyterian Church. She sat on the Greenhill Manor Nursing Home and Rehab Facility board.
She hosted joyous parties at MHS reunions and was excited to honor her school's legacy by teaming up with friends to build the trophy case at the Furlong Fieldhouse at Woodman Field and refurbish the formerly discarded trophies that fill it. And she hoped to be a small part of a new legacy when she helped procure and place the rock that football players touch when they enter the pitch.
Mom went to bed at 9 pm and woke up at 5 am in a flurry of activity and lists. She was well-read and excelled at Jeopardy and the NY Times Crossword puzzle. She learned to shop in New York City smartly and adeptly by listening to Joan Hamburg on WOR. Sassy made quick friends and confidently traveled the world with a map, a credit card, and her considerable charm. She became wistful at romantic songs, applauded loudly at movies when the cavalry arrived, and kept in perpetual contact with loved ones.
Sandra and James Kennedy moved to Boca Raton, Florida, in 2013 and built their dream home. She remained an active and beloved grandmother to Gillian Solecki, Katherine Solecki, Makana Caton, and Indira Caton, who were spoiled mercilessly with attention and love. Throughout her final years, she remained optimistic and had a ready smile.
Sandra was cared for at home by her loving family, many angelic health aides, and compassionate medical staff. Her devoted husband, James, comforted her with his presence and words until the very end.
She is mourned by her husband, children, grandchildren, and her many friends. A memorial is planned for September in Montclair, NJ.
|
Bill Koenig
Sandy was just a really nice person. Sorry to hear of her passing. Jim, my condolences to you. Bill
Sue Commette (Berry)
I am so sad at Sandy's passing. She was my best friend while we were at Watchung. We continued to spend time together when in 5th grade I transferred to St Cassians. We had many memorable times and escapades. I will miss her smile and welcoming personality. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jim and your family. Sue Commette Berry
Barbara Blume (Harris)
Jim and family.Devastated to hear of Sandy's passing.So many great memories.I willcherish them always.Take comfort in knowing that she is in God's hands.🙏❤Jackie Petrulio (Adams)
So sorry to hear about Sandy, who was always so friendly and welcoming. A few years ago, pre covid,
several of us from our class met for lunch in Florida. Sandy and Jim were both there. My heart felt
condolences to all of her family and friends. Jackie Petrulio Adams
Jeff McKenzie
sad at the loss of Sandy, a beautiful and giving person. Smiling at all the wonderful posts for her from so many classmates.
Sherry Monday (Ulrich)
I have to say, as a new student to MHS in tenth grade, it was a challenge acclaimating to everything new and I will always remember that Sandy was from the beginning, kind and friendly. She had a welcoming personality. And later on at reunions, there she was enthusiatically greeting everyone. Such a special lady and I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.
Sherry Monday Ulrich
Michael Sternbach
From Caroline Medina:
Sandy and Jim and I met at George. Inness when I came in 9th grade. After MHS our paths went in separate directions. I moved around for a # of years. Then a divorce brought me back to the Montclair area and we reconnected. Sassy and zjim and I went to the baseball games at MSC Together. The Kennedy’s hosted our Montclair High School reunion committee meetings. We had so much fun. When the Kennedy’s moved to Florida we kept in touch by phone. When their health issues came I kept in touch with them via Matt. Matt was always a wonderful son. I will always think of Sassy as a strong and life-loving survivor. And whenever I think of her my heart will be filled with love. Good-bye Sass. See you in a while. May God bless Jim and hold him close. Caroline
Marty Suydam
I remember the first day Sandy joined our 2d grade class at Watchung. She was the "new girl." She and I were in the same class through our Watchung years, then George Inness. Always friendly and a friend.
Peter Dinkel
I was so sorry to to read about Sandy's passing. What a loss to her family, her countless friends and to class of MHS 1961. The several reunions I have attended, she was made you feel so welcome and thankful you attended. Her obituary and the many comments from her classmates are a testament to her beautiful life that was lived with love , enthusiasm, passion and seemingly endless acts of kindness. My condolences to Jim, her children and grandchildren. Rest In Peace Sandy. Peter Dinkel
Wayne Hansen
I must say that I hardly knew Sandy during our high school years. However that all changed with the small 45th reunion held at the Women's Club in Upper Montclair in September 2006. Sandy was a warm and friendly host as Barbara and I entered the building on that occasion. Sandy was instrumental in hosting class committee meetings in her beautiful home in Cedar Grove, overlooking Montclair. I was able to attend two committee meetings at Sandy's home in 2007 and 2010. During those meeting, Sandy continued to be a warm and welcoming person. When I flew my small airplane to Caldwell Airport for the committee meeting in September 2007, Sandy graciously loaned me her car, so that I could visit the cemetery in Clifton where my dad is buried.
Regarding Sandy's smile as posted by other classmates, it was always there, a characteristic of her beautiful personality. I have looked through all the photos from our 50th reunion in 2011, and in just about everyone, a smile is on her face. I have posted a cropped photo from that event. Jim and their family had a gem of a wife, mother, and grandmother. You will be sadly missed, but warmly remembered by all who knew and loved you Sandy. Wayne Hansen.