Doris Kennedy
July 8, 2024
Funeral Information
July 10 2024 - 9:30 am
Homewood Cemetery, 1599 South Dallas Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
DORIS KENNEDY: Passed away peacefully at 97 years old in Pittsburgh, PA on Monday, July 8, 2024, surrounded by family. She is the mother of George Arnold (Laura), Alan Arnold (Adele), Nancy Arnold and Kate Kolbrener (Michael); the grandmother of Jon Arnold, Sarah Arnold, Eric Arnold, Julie Pike, Matthew Kolbrener and Will Kolbrener; and great grandmother of Evan, McKenna, Alia, Judah, Micah, Noah and Jacob.
Born on September 5, 1926, Doris always had a zest for life, inspiring those around her with her positivity and by seeking joy even in the small and quiet moments. She was a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School and Ohio State University, where studied occupational therapy. While raising children with her first husband, Robert J. Arnold, she was employed by the occupational therapy department at West Penn Hospital and worked in the field for most of her career until she retired at 72 years old.
Doris spent her middle age years married to Dr. David Kennedy, with whom she traveled often to Israel, learned Hebrew, began painting and wrote poetry. For more than 8 years near the end of her life she happily resided at Weinberg Terrace in Squirrel Hill. She loved walking through the neighborhood to meet friends and family for meals and set about pursuing her many interests, including attending art classes at the JCC. While at Weinberg Terrace, she served on the food committee, attended Friday Shabbat services and continued writing poetry.
In 2018 Doris self-published a book of poems called "Variations," and on February 5, 2019 she hosted a book signing. This cherished poem below, called "Helpful Self-Talk," is from her collection and it's sentiment is one we'll continue to carry within each of us:
Helpful Self-Talk
Who speaks to you
in a kindly word
your "good mother"
Is the one you've heard
you carry her along
So she's waiting to say
only wonderful things
about you today
No matter your age
it's wise to know
A mother can be with you
wherever you go
So listen to your voice
saying her words
With positive messages
That need to be heard
Giving you confidence
Building your pride
For that wonderful feeling inside
- Doris Kennedy
Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Homewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Doris Kennedy to the Jewish Association on Aging, Weinberg Terrace, 5741 Bartlett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com
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May your mother's spirit live in your hear and soul. She was a blessing.
By Michele Clarke - July 12, 2024
George and Laura, Kate and Mike and Family -- May the memory of your mom's long and blessed life be a memory, and may you be comforted in the days ahead.
By Ben Wecht - July 11, 2024
Though I did not know your mother/grandmother well, I saw her in Squirrel Hill. This is a beautiful poem. May her memory be for many blessings.
By Arlene Wolk - July 11, 2024
Doris Kennedy was a warm and kind person. I first met her at Weinberg Terrace. She always gave a friendly hello whenever I saw her in the building. She was a great artist. May she rest in peace.
By Jeffrey Ruttenberg - July 10, 2024
I am sending love and hugs to you all. Your Mom/Gram was an incredible woman and I loved talking with her.
May her memory be a blessing
By Joan Weiss Stein - July 10, 2024
The Arnold Family, very sorry for your loss. I didn't know Mrs. Kennedy, but she sounded like a lovely soul. I hope you always have beautiful memories of her in your hearts.
By Llll Gricus - July 10, 2024
Remembering going to her house when married to bob Arnold, whom I had worked for. Had so much fun with her. Knew George the most. She was a great mother and was my friend. Rest in piece Doris.
By Lois Sherry - July 10, 2024
So sorry to hear about Doris. I have known her since I was a kid and she was one of the nicest people I ever knew. May she rest in peace and her memory be blessing.
By Mindy Kart - July 10, 2024
I am sorry for your loss, George and your family. I have fond memories of your mother when we were neighbors.
By Karyn Shrinsky Frank - July 10, 2024
A well lived life, "Aunt" Doris Those who knew you were fortunate, indeed.
By Rich Weitzman - July 09, 2024
I am sending love and hugs to you all. Your Mom/Gram was an incredible woman and I loved talking with her.
May her memory be a blessing
By Joan Weiss Stein - July 09, 2024