Doris Ann Kennedy Obituary (1935 - 2023)

Doris Ann Kennedy June 24, 1935 - January 8, 2023 Doris Kennedy went home to be with the Lord on the morning of January 8, 2023. Born Doris Ann Stith on June 24, 1935, in Spokane, Washington, to William and Doris Stith, she was the middle child between an older sister and younger brother. Growing up in Northeastern Washington state and Idaho, she was affectionately known as "Tiny" to her parents, siblings, and schoolmates. Though times were tough in the area in the late 30s and early 40s, she had a happy childhood and always enjoyed school, activities, and friends. Her goal in life was to get a higher education, an almost impossible feat for a rural girl in the late 1950s. She never gave up that dream. She moved to the Imperial Valley right after graduating from High School in 1953 when her aunt and uncle offered her a place to live so she could attend junior college, then known as Central Junior College on the Central High School campus. This is where she met Robert G. Kennedy and they married in March 1955. Three children later, she was able to start chipping away at her educational goals, attending IVC in 1966, and finishing her teaching credential through San Diego State University Calexico campus. Doris taught for 33 years at Finley Elementary School in Holtville, starting with 3rd grade, but spending most of her career teaching 2nd grade. She loved her job. One of the highlights of her tenure was to accompany students to Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, accepting the award for Finley Elementary School. She continued her pursuit of higher education and achieved her Master's degree in Reading. Doris had been retired for nearly 20 years and remained physically active by walking and exercising regularly. She very much enjoyed following the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was able to travel, as well, visiting family in the Northwest, and being a tourist in Hawai'i, Alaska, England, Scotland, Canada, and the Eastern United States. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, and her ex-husband Robert G. Kennedy. She is survived by her sister, Barbara (Stith) Konkright, brother, William Stith, children Pamela Kennedy, Todd (Shelly) Kennedy, Tracy Kennedy, and ten grandchildren: Olivia (Frank) Garcia, Paul (Genna) Samaniego, Adrienne Samaniego (Sal Ingrilli), Erica (Tim) Boore; Robbie (Beth), Broc (Christian), and Keenan Kennedy; Jill Kennedy, Scott Mahler Jr, and Ethan (Lauren) Mahler, as well as five great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 3 pm at Frye Chapel, Aten Rd, Imperial.