Sister Marigene Kennedy, who served as teacher, principal and administrator, died July 29, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany. For 71 years she faithfully lived her vows to God through her ministry and life in community.
Born Oct. 2, 1929, in Philadelphia, Marigene attended schools in Pennsylvania before graduating from the Moore Institute of Art in Philadelphia with a degree in Fashion Design. She worked in New York City as a designer of children’s clothing before joining the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.
Sister Marigene entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on Sept. 8, 1953; was received into the Congregation on Aug. 15, 1954, and professed her final vows on Aug. 16, 1961.
Upon entering the congregation, she attended St. Elizabeth Teachers College, graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Later, Sister Marigene returned to St. Bonaventure University to pursue graduate studies, earning a master’s in History and a master’s in Sacred Science.
Her ministry began educating students in congregational schools in New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina and New York, serving in various roles as a teacher, principal and administrator.
She ministered to the congregation as a member of Region II Leadership, local and assistant local minister and transportation coordinator for independent sisters living at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Sister Marigene also served as a peer group counselor at Holy Cross, Bronx; in a corporate health education program at St. John the Baptist, West Islip; in parish ministry at Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway, New Jersey; assistant administrator at St. Matthias Parish, Somerset; director of Faith Development, East Rutherford, New Jersey, and pastoral care volunteer at Clara Mass Medical Center, Arlington Heights, New Jersey.
Sister Marigene served 71 years as a Franciscan Sister of Allegany ministering to the needs of her students, congregation and communities in which she lived. In 2022, she officially retired from her many responsibilities at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.
She is predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Mary Brady Kennedy and her stepmother, Helen Smith Kennedy; and siblings Eugene, Jay and Marie Theresa.
Sister Marigene is survived by a brother, Terrence Kennedy.
A funeral Mass was held on Aug.10, in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial followed in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.