It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Rita M. Kennedy of Lynn, Massachusetts, who passed away on April 9, 2024, at the age of 100, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Rita M. Kennedy to pay them a last tribute.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Frederick Barron and Mabel Barron (LaVache); her former life partner Thomas F. Kennedy Sr.; and her siblings, Fred Barron, George "Butch" Barron, Joseph Barron, Helen Coates, Irene McCarthy, Agnes Thibeau, Elaine Loveless and Theresa Ryan.

She is survived by : her husband Sonny Kennedy (Thomas); her children, Thomas F. Kennedy Jr. (Nancy) of Center Barnstead, NH, Elaine Rappoli (Richard) of Wilmington, Janice Freedman (late Sheldon) of Lynn, Gerald Kennedy (Linda) of Center Barnstead, NH and Joan Antonelli (late Paul) of Lynn; her grandchildren, Ryan Rappoli (Jen), Mark Rappoli, Lauren Rappoli, Michael Kennedy, Jayme Kennedy (Jessica), Brian Freedman (Caitlyn), Justin Kennedy, Shayne Kennedy (Becca), Paul Antonelli, Jennifer Leone (Guy) and Alex "Jojo" Tirado; and her great grandchildren, Kianna, Kaleb, Cora, Coen, Derek, Gianna and Thomas. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews.

Visitation was held on Friday, April 12th 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Nichols Funeral Home (187 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, MA 01887). A funeral Mass was held on Friday, April 12th 2024 at 11:30 AM at the St. Thomas of Villanova Church (126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, MA 01887). A burial was held on Friday, April 12th 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Woodlawn Cemetery (302 Elm St, Everett, MA 02148).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Nichols Funeral Home