Denise L. (Moran) Kennedy, 59 – First Responder

Denise L. (Moran) Kennedy, 59, of Deer Lake, passed away Saturday at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem.

Born in Pottsville, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine Reichert Moran.

Denise was a 1979 graduate of Minersville Area High School. She was of the Catholic faith. She was an avid Disney and NASCAR fan. She worked for many years as a cook in local nursing homes. Denise was dedicated to volunteerism and serving her community.

She was a First Responder and driver for Orwigsburg and Auburn Ambulance Associations. She was a volunteer with the Schuylkill County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program, CYO, the Special Olympics and she was a Cub Scout leader. She was the Administrative Director of the Schuylkill County Fair Association. She was a proud member of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs, the Pennsylvania State Showman’s Association and was also a judge for competitive exhibits at numerous fairs. Her most coveted title earned during her volunteerism was “Swamp Mom.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Michael Moran.

Denise is survived by her husband and fishing buddy of 42 years, Paul Kennedy; 2 sons, Paul (Rebecca), Branch Twp and Tyler, Allentown; granddaughter Kollins and grandson Bryce; 2 brothers, Thomas Moran Jr., Hamburg and Patrick Moran, Pottsville; a sister Bridget Moran Shay, Lebanon; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and her faithful companion, Beau Duke. Hopefully, she is survived by someone willing to enter all these damn cows. They aren’t going to enter themselves. Denise also leaves behind an extensive Faire and Fair family.

In her final act of giving and selflessness, Denise offered herself as an organ donor and has given at least 6 recipients a new chance at life.  The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the First Responders, doctors, and staff that attended to Denise. Your attentiveness and compassion will forever be remembered.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11AM in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury St., Minersville.  Relatives and friends may call at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., Minersville on Friday evening from 5 PM to 9 PM and on Saturday morning from 7 AM to10:30 AM.  Internment will be in St Barbara’s Cemetery, Llewellyn.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions to the Denise Louise Kennedy Memorial Foundation, c/o 328 Sunbury St., Minersville. Contributions will be accepted at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Denise’s memory, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com