CHELSEA, VT — Sylvia R. Kennedy, 86 died on Sunday night, November 11, 2018 at Mayo Residential Care in Northfield, VT.
She was born in Barre, VT to Donat and Eva LeFevre. She attended schools in Barre, graduating from Spaulding High School in 1950.
On April 5, 1952 she married Gino Berini. They made their home in Barre where they raised their three sons and were later divorced.
Sylvia was employed at the Peoples National Bank of Barre and later worked for the State of Vermont, holding various positions in a number of departments. In the early 80’s, she was appointed by Governor Richard Snelling to serve on the Vermont Parole Board.
On April 21, 1974 she was married to Walter L. “Peanut” Kennedy. For many years, they summered in Vermont and wintered in North Port, Florida. During the summer months in the1980’s Sylvia served as a team member and “witness for the Lord” for the Methodist Churches from Maine to Georgia along the Eastern Sea Board. These teams brought the gospel to each church in such a way as to draw their members closer to the Lord. While wintering in Florida, Sylvia directed choirs at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and later served in that same capacity for Trinity United Methodist Church both of North Port, FL. In 1983, Sylvia, along with choir member Robert E. McMullen, founded the North Port Concert Orchestra which still performs today.
As an aspiring artist in her youth, Sylvia pursued that career while in Florida and presented shows of her works in North Port, Pine Island, Pt. Charlotte, FL as well as locally in Barre, VT and the World’s Fair in Tunbridge, VT.
Following the death of her husband, Peanut, in January 1997, Sylvia returned to make her home in Chelsea, VT. From 2000-2002, Sylvia represented Orange-2 in the Vermont State Legislature. Following reapportionment, she represented District Orange-1 from 2002-2006. She was a long time member of the former Journey Foursquare Church which was located in South Royalton, VT.
She is survived by a stepdaughter, Mary Jane Kennedy of Montpelier, a stepson, James R. Kennedy of Florida, a granddaughter, Brandi Berini, nephews David Walrath and Stephen Walrath of California; a longtime family friend, Will Dodge of Fair Haven, VT and nieces and nephews of Mike Kennedy’s family who lovingly involved Sylvia in family gatherings for many years.
She is predeceased by her husband, Walter L. Kennedy; three sons, David Berini, Gino Berini and Christopher Berini; a brother, Oma LeFevre; a sister, Jeanette L. Walrath and her husband, Les.
The family would like to share their appreciation for the wonderful caregivers at Mayo Residential Care in Northfield as well as The Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury during the past few years. Through the efforts of staff at both facilities Sylvia was able to participate in many activities including her beloved music and artistic talents.
A funeral memorial service will be held Monday November 19, 2018 at 1pm at the United Church of South Royalton, VT with Rev. Joshua Moore. The burial will be held at the Riverside Cemetery in Chelsea, VT following the fellowship. A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, VT.