Catherine Elizabeth Kennedy

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Catherine Elizabeth Kennedy (nee Ballard) on Thursday, December 31, 2020, in Calgary, AB surrounded by loving family members.

Catherine was born February 23, 1940 in Calgary, Alberta and was the second oldest of six children to Carl and Teresa Ballard. Catherine approached everything she did with her whole heart and soul, deep love and much care. Her life was lived for family, faith and empowering others. She was a well-loved and respected elementary school teacher, a volunteer with many charities and very active in the church, especially the choir, as she loved to sing.

She was a true Albertan, and lived in many places in the Province.  Her first job was working on the Stampede Dude Ranch west of Longview.  Catherine moved to Edmonton where she met and married Ted Lesnik (1962-1987), and they welcomed their children Craig and Nicole. She attended the University of Alberta and graduated with Distinction with a Bachelor Degree in Education in 1981.  In 1991, Catherine met and married Henry Kennedy and welcomed his children, Mark and Sarah, into their family. She loved teaching and enriched the lives of many students in Edmonton before retiring in 1998, moving to Calgary to be closer to her grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her extended family and she was fondly known as “Auntie K or Gramma Ducks”.

Catherine was an avid gardener and reader and also enjoyed the arts, especially ballet, opera and theatre. She had a deep love and appreciation for food and cooking, and enjoyed going to the farmers market and sharing delicious meals with friends and family. Catherine’s kind, beautiful and sensitive heart will be deeply missed by many, especially her loving family.  She was predeceased by her parents and sister Ann.  Catherine is survived by her sisters Frances, Sheila (Gordon) and Carla (Bill); her brother John (Judy); and children Craig (daughter Makenzie), Nicole (Ron; children Jonathan, Emily), Mark (Sasha; children Maya & Zen) and Sarah (Andrew; children Austin, Kaylie & Anthony). 

Visitation will be held at Evan J. Strong Funeral Services (5502 2 Street SW) on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 6:00-7:00pm. Please note that only 10 people will be permitted in the building at one time. A private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral on Thursday, January 7, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Centre For Family Literacy (www.famlit.ca) or the Parkinson Association of Alberta (http://parkinsonassociation.ca/).

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