Elisabeth Kennedy

Beginning her life during pre-war Germany in 1933, born to restaurateur parents Willi and Maria Rink, Elisabeth otherwise known as Ilsa, was the eldest of three. During World War II, she witnessed the horror of war as Fulda, her home town, was bombed by Allied Forces. At fourteen, Ilsa began working in her family's Gasthaus, the Bauernschänke, where, in addition to the local citizens, many American soldiers frequented. Her naturally gifted dancing skills and outgoing personality as well as her command of the English language made her a popular attraction to "GI"s" stationed there. After completion of business and cooking school, at nineteen, her future partner of fifty-eight years, Master Sergeant William Reid Kennedy, known as Reid to family, walked in to the popular GI hangout. He was immediately captivated by the vivacious young woman who was the belle of the ball and this dashing man set about to win her over. Soon after, they began their family and, in 1961, headed to the United States with two daughters, Angela and Kathryn in tow. A third daughter, Patricia was born later that same year as they went from Kansas to Aberdeen, Maryland. They eventually bought a home in a country-like setting and now "Betty" set about to acclimate to life in America. Their last child and only son William, born in 1964, firmly established Betty as a housewife and mother of four. Her priorities were learning to run the household efficiently and with love while utilizing her supreme skills in cooking. She participated fully in her children's schooling as well as attaining her own goal of American citizenship in 1970. Betty was very active in the PTA, eventually serving a year as president. Living in an Army rich area, Betty established deep friendships with several other German brides to form a "Kaffeeklatch". They became sisters to her and aunts to her children and gave her love and support throughout her remaining years. In 1984, prompted by her "empty nest", Betty began her work career as a marketing specialist on Aberdeen Proving Grounds and she contributed her many talents to vendors at the Post Exchange. Her warmth, charm, big heart and generosity won over those who came across her path. Possessed of the ability to love without reservation, Betty Kennedy made many and varied friends. Ten years later, she was stricken with a blood disorder which eventually weakened her heart and kidneys. She battled with this disease over the next eighteen years. In 2005, she retired from work-life and five years later, only twelve weeks after her husband passed away, Betty Kennedy also passed on. She is survived by her children: Angie Hammond and husband Jim, Kathryn Anderson and husband Michael, Patricia Bernard and husband George and son Bill Kennedy and wife Julie; her grandchildren, Maria Tibbs and Kelly Novoa, Brigitte Bernard, Erin Kennedy, Reid Kennedy and step-grandchildren Lee Ames and her husband Tim, George Bernard, Kaide Anderson and step-great grandchildren Casey and Charlie Ames. Goodbye dear Mom, Betty, Omi. You will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love you. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to the following: The Cardiac Unit at Bayview, The Sidney Kimmel Oncology/Hematology Unit at Bayview. A Celebration of Life is scheduled Saturday, August 21, 2010, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at: Bulle Rock, 320 Blenhiem Lane Havre De Grace, MD 21078-2003 (410) 939-8887 Kindly RSVP to Angela Hammond at 410-252-0782. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001