Julia B. Kennedy

Julia B. Kennedy found eternal rest on Monday morning, December 7, 2015 at the age of 90. She peacefully passed in the comfort of her own home and joined loved ones who have gone before her with God in Heaven.

Her spirit lives on through her two sons, Jay and Matt, two daughters-in-law, Lynne and Cathy, six grandchildren, Christine, Erin, Lia, Scott, Kiley, and Austin, one great-granddaughter, Ivy, close extended family, and many wonderful friends all of whom she loved very much.

Julia was born on February 11, 1925 in Washington, Indiana to Ray and Ruth Bollenbacher. Although her parents played a role in her life, it was her maternal grandmother, and her Aunt Claire who were key in raising and developing the extraordinary woman she became. She graduated from Washington High School and went on to study at Indiana University where she joined Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. It was shortly after leaving IU, a friend introduced her to the man who became the love of her life. Julia married Edward Kennedy (1925 – 2010) on November 19, 1950 and shared 60 years of marriage. They had two sons, Jay and Matt.

At 90 years old, Julia lived an exciting and happy lifestyle. She was always up to date on current events, usually much more so than her family. She drove her Cadillac around town, met her girlfriends for lunch, shared funny photos and videos through emailing friends and family, and loved visiting and sharing cookies with her great-granddaughter, all while having less wrinkles on her face than most 60-year-olds.

Her confidence and love for life is something we all should strive to meet. She was the perfect example of so many things: a mother, a wife, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and friend. She was such a strong and powerful woman with such a firm grasp on her life. There is so much to be learned from her, such as: "observing cocktail hour daily" will keep you healthy and beautiful into your 90s, you can find things in catalogues that you would never find on the internet, always get dressed and put on makeup first thing every morning, dirty birthday cards are so much better than sweet ones, wait until age 85 to take your first antibiotic, and it is very important for every woman to know how to play poker.

Her funny charm, honest heart, and infectious laugh will be missed by so many. Eventually, the sadness will fade and all that will be left is a smile on all of our hearts because we were lucky enough to know such a wonderful soul.

Friends are welcome to come share in a celebration of Julias life on Sunday, December 13 between 3:30-7:30 pm at Flanner and Buchanan Broad Ripple, (1305 East Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220). The service will be held Monday, December 14 at 11:00 am at Flanner and Buchanan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to your local Humane Society, one of Julia's favorite organizations. To leave a memory visit www.flannerbuchanan.com