Judy Kennedy

Judy Kennedy, of Hanover, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, December 31, at Midwest Medical Center in Galena. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 6, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Hanover, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Judy was born September 8, 1941, daughter of Clyde and Frana (Meier) Sevey. She grew up in Blackhawk, IL, while her father worked for the Savanna Army Depot. She attended Blackhawk School, and Hanover High School. While in school Judy met the love of her life, Harvey Kennedy. They married on October 15, 1961. Together Judy and Harvey celebrated 53 years of marriage, and raised their family and farm dogs together.

After high school Judy waitressed for a short time, before beginning work at the Eaton Factory in Hanover. Judy was a hard worker, and always brought her rigorous work ethic to the job and farm. She stayed at the factory until it closed down, a career spanning nearly fifty years, and all the factory’s name changes. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and was an active member, volunteering for various church committees and children's church education programs. Judy was a member of the VFW Auxiliary for many years, and volunteered at the Hanover Fire Department while Harvey was a fireman.

Judy loved to take road trips with Harvey, traveling the country, visiting farm shows, and spending time on the open road. She enjoyed get togethers with others, whether it be a thrasher show, hog roast, or trail ride. At the center of Judy’s life was her family. She was a proud mom, grandma, and great-grandma, and was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren. She and Harvey also had many beloved dogs on the farm that Judy enjoyed spoiling. In her spare time she enjoyed mowing the lawn and watching Dr. Phil and True Crime shows on T.V.. Judy was a great cook, and made the best deviled eggs, hot chocolate, and fried egg sandwiches. Judy also claimed the title of most accomplished deer hunter out of all those who hunted at the Kennedy Century Farm. She was independent, and no one could tell her she couldn’t do something. Judy was always right and never wrong, or as she liked to say “just ask me, I’ll tell ya”.

Judy will be dearly missed by her son, Darrold Kennedy of Rantoul, IL; two granddaughters, Megan Allendorf of Hanover, and Kristen (Patrick Martin) Kennedy of Springfield, IL; three great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Edens, Evelyn Allendorf, and Autumn Kennedy-Martin, and one great-grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews. Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; two infant children, Christopher and Mona; her parents, Clyde and Frana; and her siblings, Don Sevey, Duane Sevey, Dean “Woody” Sevey, Paul Sevey, Joan Bishop, Joyce Bedinger, Jean Sevey, and Janice Hamill; and many beloved friends and family.