Frances Adele Kennedy

Frances Adele “Dellie” Bertirotti Kennedy (“Cucci”) (1927-2020) passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends at the age of 93 on October 12, 2020. Adele was a resident of River Ridge for 66 years. She was a charter parishioner of St Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church. A recipient of the Order of St. Louis Medallion in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She held the exclusive honor of being featured as one of the first gift wrappers at D.H Holmes Department Store. In addition to her love of family, faith, and prayer, she possessed a passion for dance, most notably the second line. She acquired an extraordinary devotion to the Blessed Mother, compelling her to wear a blue wedding dress instead of the traditional white in honor of the mother of Jesus. Her culinary contributions to St Joseph altars especially her family recipe for seed cake cookies has been enjoyed by numerous residents throughout the Metro New Orleans area for over 50 years.

She was an active member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO), Harahan Senior Center, Holy Name Society, Naim, Our Lady’s Ladies, Saint Matthew the Apostle’s Altar Society, Saint Matthew the Apostle’s Joy Senior Group, Saint Matthew the Apostle’s Patriotic Rosary Group, and Saint Rita’s Silver Trotters.

Adele is preceded in death by her parents: Elivra Scandariatto Bertirotti and Joseph Bertirotti; her beloved husband of 47 years, Albert George Kennedy; as well as her brothers: Dino Bertirotti, Vincent (Dooley) Bertirotti, and Joseph Bertirotti; Sisters: Terese (Tee) Martinez, and Eugenia (Gina) Champagne.

Adele is survived by her children: Claudette Kennedy Nenos and husband, Thomas, and Bruce Bertirotti Kennedy and wife, Linda; Grandchildren: Nicole Strohmeyer Craig (Shannon), Troy Alexander Strohmeyer, Marie Kennedy (Sean Cook), Graham Franklin Kennedy (Chris), Bruce Bertirotti Kennedy Jr (Rebecca); Step-Grandchildren: Alison Nenos Cernich (Scott), Carrie Wall, and Donndi Harper; Great Grandchildren: Gabriel Kennedy Strohmeyer, Vivienne Christine Strohmeyer, and Sloane Elizabeth Craig, and John Abel Kennedy; Step-Great Grandchildren: Samantha Cernich, Corinne Cernich, Lissidy Harper, Gunner Harper, and Kie Harper; Sister Elaine “Bay” Fadich ; along with 17 nieces and 11 nephews. The family would like to extend their heart-felt gratitude to “Dellie’s” close friend of 66 years, Audrey Arcement, who walked with her without fail every day since the beginning of the pandemic in March.

Funeral service will be held Friday October 23, 2020 at Saint Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, 10021 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge, LA. Visitation will take place from 10:30-noon. Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Everyone is asked to wear masks due to Covid 19. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) in Adele’s name or have masses said in her memory.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Frances Adele Kennedy, please visit our Tree Store.