PATRICIA JEAN KENNEDY

Patricia Jean (Sadler) Kennedy, 78, of Benton Harbor, died unexpectedly at home Sunday, June 20, 2021.

Pat leaves behind the love of her life and soul mate, Dan Kennedy, whom she married June 21, 1999. He will miss his “baby” every moment.

Her children who proudly called her mom; Shannon and Sheri Welche of Dowagiac, Tonya and David Foote of Seward, Alaska and Vicki and Joe Garfola of Tiburon, California.  

Her grandchildren who affectionately called her Nana, Nani, Nan: Madison and Robert Gonzalez, Makenzie and Ryan Angelo, Macy and Brent Alexander; Michael Foote, Rachel and Corey Barker, Garrett and Katlin Foote, Gavin Foote; Ethan Garfola, Olivia Garfola, Grace Garfola; Dominic and Marisa Dubinoff.

Dan’s kids and grandkids who showed respect and love to our mom: Jason and Tara Kennedy, Danny Kennedy, Collin, Pheonix, Michael and Brittany.

Her great-grandbabies: Forrest Barker, Willow Brent, Valor Angelo and another Barker blessing due very soon. 

She is also survived by sister Sharon Russell, brother Bill Sadler and many nieces and nephews.

She was born Sept. 21, 1942 in Watervliet, to Armella and Edwin Sadler. She was preceded in death by her brother Richard Sadler.

Mom spent most of life working as a waitress and up until a couple years ago, a private housekeeper. Her life work is what made her approachable and kind to every person.  She was down to earth, humble and kind. Mom never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend. She bubbled over with tangible joy as she spoke of her children, grandkids and great-grandbabies. 

Nothing made mom happier than phone calls and visits with her kids, grandkids and her great-grandbabies. 

 She was able to travel to Alaska and California many times to see her daughters and their families. Mom enjoyed visiting many southern states as her roots are from there along with many good memories. She was fortunate enough to travel to Paris, France with her daughter who lived there for a while. She saw historical sites that many of us never will.  Her favorite place of all time to be was home with her husband Dan. She felt simple pleasure and pride in making her yard and home beautiful. She enjoyed making cookies, pies and other treats for her family and is known for her fried fish, hush puppies, homemade chicken and dumplings and pots of soup. Her grandkids loved baking with their Nana. She also enjoyed her flower gardens, birds and beautiful sunny days.

Her past 22 years married to her soul mate Dan brought her endless laughter and joy. During this time she asked Jesus Christ to be her Savior and they attended church regularly and loved their church family.