Regina M. Kennedy, 88, Great-Grandmother

Regina M. Kennedy, 88, formerly of Brooklyn, NY and Garden City Park, NY, passed away peacefully at her home on July 25, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.

Regina was the wife of the late Thomas P. Kennedy, Sr. and was the matriarch of her large and close family.

She was the daughter of the late Joseph P. Tart and the late Catherine A. (Snellgrove) Tart of Brooklyn, NY. Regina is survived by her five children: Karen Kennedy-Cannone and her husband Giovanni Cannone of Kings Park, NY; Thomas P. Kennedy, Jr. of West Yarmouth, MA; Gina Kennedy-Doherty and her husband Alan Doherty of Marstons Mills, MA; Kerry Kennedy-Murphy and her husband John Murphy of Marstons Mills, MA; and John F. Kennedy and his wife Stacey Kennedy of Marstons Mills, MA.

She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Cara and John Cannone; Thomas and Michael Kennedy, Sabrina and Jade Doherty; Katie, Shannon and Erin Murphy; and Chris, Jack and Max Kennedy; and three great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Michael and Bella.

Raised during the Great Depression and from humble beginnings, Regina embarked on a life where she would experience great successes in all areas of her life. At the top of her list was always her relationship with her adoring husband and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Regina devoted nearly all of her energy and resources to this area of her life.

Her sincere personality touched everyone she met. She lived her life in rose-colored glasses and captivated those around her. She could often be seen driving her beloved convertible around town March through December with her effervescent smile. She was passionate about traveling and spending time with family, campaigning for her Democratic ideals, enjoying time on her porch, and her Boston sports teams.

Regina had 88 enormously fun and healthy years and only spent her last month fighting a difficult cancer diagnosis. She was devoutly religious and attended Catholic Church throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of Dana Farber/ Dancing for a Cure, 39 Rosewood Lane, Cotuit, MA 02635 or online at dancingforacure.net.

Visiting hours will be on Monday, July 29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Doane, Beal &
Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main St., Hyannis, MA. A funeral mass will be at Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main St., Centerville, MA on Tuesday, July 30 at 10 a.m. with a burial to follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hope Hospice, Brigham and Women's and Cape Cod Healthcare for their support in Regina's final days.