S. Janet L. Kennedy

S. Janet Louise Kennedy was born to William Francis and Opal Allen Kennedy on June 13, 1934, in Frankfort, KS. The fourth of twelve children; Anne, Patricia, Jean, Janet, Susanna, Sara, Bill, Martha, Judy, Joe, Nancy, and Jane. After a life of service, Janet passed away peacefully at 90 years of age on December 7, 2024, at the Frankfort Community Care Home. 

Janet starred in basketball at Frankfort High School. When short of breath, running up and down the court, Dr. Mark Brawley diagnosed a congenital heart issue. At age fifteen, Janet had successful open heart surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

In the summer, Janet was a senior lifeguard at the Frankfort swimming pool. On duty, she saved the life of a young boy seen lying at the bottom of the deep end. His name was David Lamb. Janet dove into the pool, brought him to the surface, and sternly instructed Dickie Schooler to "Hold David's Tongue." Janet revived a lifeless body.

Janet attended the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, KS, majoring in World History and Latin. When asked to make the sign of the cross, she often responded, in Latin, "In nomine Patris et filii Spiritus Sancti, Amen."

Janet became a Catholic nun, taking her vows with the Sisters of Charity Leavenworth (SCL) in 1956. 

She taught high school History and Latin.

Employed by the state of Kansas, Janet reported directly to the Governor, as an undercover Ombudsman, investigating Care Homes across the state. Her successes were celebrated in newspapers across the state.

Janet extended her education, achieving a Master's Degree in World History at the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk). During this period, in 1972, she traveled to India for three months. Writing many letters home to her parents, Bill and Opal, and her sister, Judy, in Frankfort.

Janet's career expanded to teaching at Central High School in Billings, MT. One of her favorite pupils was the Baltimore Orioles pitcher, Dave McNally. Janet also led the Central High Pep Club. The cheerleader's skirts swirled and twirled, high enough to reveal panties! Tsk, Tsk! Janet directed all the cheerleaders to sew lead weights into the hems of their skirts.

After many years teaching high school, she transitioned to the Sisters for a Christian Community in Oklahoma City, OK. A progressive order allowing for more freedom and choices while still faithfully upholding her vows. 

At Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, MI, she took the role of Pastoral Care Director, comforting many patients and their families. 

As a Notre Dame Football season ticket holder in South Bend, IN, she hosted many attendees in her home. Always a good time for visitors as Janet enjoyed cheering on the Irish and ND Women's Basketball.

Janet traveled to Hawaii. Hiking over the rugged lava beds to view the molten lava from Kilauea flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Flying to Havana, Cuba in 2010, Janet stayed with her cousin, His Excellency Jonathan Farrar, The United States Chief of Mission to Cuba (whose father was born in Frankfort).

In 2018, Janet flew from Chicago to Dublin and joined Jane and Russell on a nineteen-day road trip around Ireland. A St. Patrick's Day celebration with the Irish, sipping a Guinness. At Trinity College, Janet viewed the Book of Kells and translated passages from the Latin.

Janet never met a stranger, empathy, assistance, and concern for everyone were her guiding principles.

Let us celebrate Janet's life and entry into an eternity of pure love in God's embrace.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Anne Thoma, infant sister Patricia Kennedy, Jean Gose, S. Susanna Kennedy, Judy Kennedy, Joe Kennedy and Nancy Padden.

Survivors include her siblings, Sara Mullen, Bill Kennedy, Martha Miller (Roy), Jane Kennedy Adams (Russell); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Frankfort Community Care Home and sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.