Gertrude Genevieve Kennedy

Gertrude Genevieve “Gertie” (Krivoruchka) Kennedy peacefully passed away in her sleep on May 17, 2024, in Littleton, Colorado. She was 93 years old.

Gertie was born to William and Ann (Evoniuk) Krivoruchka in Belfield, North Dakota, on September 23, 1930. As the third child out of seven and the oldest girl, Gertie grew up in a bustling household. She often reminisced about her childhood on the farm, recalling memories of milking cows, tagging along with her brothers (who would try to lose her), and helping her sisters with hair care (while they complained).

Gertie and her sister Rose attended Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate High School in Sloatsburg, New York, where she graduated. Gertie’s memories included taking row boats out on the pond behind the school, a nun who liked to dance in the kitchen, and her nervousness when tasked with serving dinner to a visiting bishop.

After graduation, Gertie returned to Belfield, North Dakota, where she found employment at the town's sole car dealership. It was there that she crossed paths with Gene Odell Kennedy—legend has it that she jumped in front of his car to meet him! Three months later, on November 10, 1953, Gertie and Gene were married at Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Billings County, North Dakota.

Gene and Gertie relocated to Williston, North Dakota, where they expanded their family, welcoming four children: Wayne Michael, Barbara Jean, Wanda Marie, and Gregory Brian. In 1960, they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they completed their family with the births of Denise Ann and Debra Kay. The family cherished time spent together, often venturing to Green Leaf State Park for camping trips, creating memories that endure to this day.

Gertie loved watching the Lawrence Welk show and delighted in dancing to the lively polkas that filled the living room and kitchen. She instilled in her children a deep appreciation for Ukrainian culture. Gertie's commitment to her heritage shone brightly each Christmas Eve as she faithfully prepared a traditional Ukrainian dinner for her family to enjoy. Gertie's love for Ukrainian culture extended to her family's gatherings, where they would always cheer ‘na zdorov'ya’ - wishing each other good health and happiness—as they celebrated together.

Gertie was truly passionate about gardening; it was evident in her dedication to cultivating both a vibrant vegetable garden and numerous flower beds. Her backyard was always filled with the beauty she nurtured with care and attention.

Family and faith were central to Gertie's life. She held her family close, from her parents, siblings, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews to her own children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Welcoming relatives, attending special events, and hosting visitors were integral parts of Gertie's life. Over the years, Gertie and Gene formed lifelong friendships, teaching their children the enduring value of both family and friendship.

Gertie is survived by two beloved sisters: Yvonne (Arlys) Hanson and MaryAnn (Ted) Warner; six children: Wayne Kennedy (Terri Ballinger-May), Barbara (T) Whitehurst, Wanda (Ron) Dietz, Greg Kennedy, Denise Kennedy, and Debra (Dan) Joyce; fifteen grandchildren: Josh Helmuth, Cassandra Kennedy (Lindsay Zastrow), Tonya Kennedy (Ryan Bowers), Colin Kennedy, Brent (Chloe) Kennedy, Bryan Kennedy and Kyle (Ashley) Kennedy, Alex Dietz, Julie Dietz (Kevin Brennan), Delaney Kennedy, Madelyn Kennedy, Torey Kennedy, Katherine Joyce (Chris Viamontes), Rebecca Joyce and David Joyce; five great-grandchildren: Railey (Griffin) Kees, Nolan Speck, Everett Kennedy, Cameron Kennedy, and Maeve Kennedy; one great-great-grandchild: Rosaline Kees.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Ann, husband Gene, and siblings Victor and Olga Krivarchka, Theodore and Bernice Krivoruchka, Margaret Krivoruchka, Rose (Ted Fischer) and Jim Paul, and Francis and Roy Plank, grandson Konrad Dietz, great-great-grandson Casey Kees, nieces Tama Baumgarten and Lee Sanne Roy and nephew Duane Krivarchka.

A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 5:00pm at Horan & McConaty, 5303 E. County Line Rd. Centennial, CO 80122, with a Funeral Mass on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 6853 S. Price St. Littleton, Colorado 80120. She will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery with her husband.