Obituary of Alta J. Kennedy

Alta J. Kennedy, (nee) Detienne, 85, of Country Meadows Forks, Easton, PA passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus, Easton, PA.  She was born on September 28, 1932, one of 8 children born to Lewis and Marie (Westphal) Detienne in Zion, Illinois. She spent most of her life in the Zion area and moved to Easton, PA in 2011 to be closer to her only child, Kathryn (Dr. George) Nassoor and grandson Paul (Kelly) Nassoor and granddaughter Elizabeth (Tyler) Dare.  Her greatest recent joy was seeing her great-granddaughter, Fern Nassoor (16 months old) and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her 2nd great-grandchild, a baby boy, to be born later this year to Elizabeth and Tyler.

She was married August 6, 1955 to F. Eugene (Gene) Kennedy and shared many great years together until his early passing at age 60 in 1992.  They loved their camping trips “Out West” in their trailer and going to Pennsylvania to see their grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, brothers David and Arvid Detienne, sisters Lillian Detienne, who was stillborn, Marion Fate Webster, Laota Dexter and niece Gail French.  She is survived by her daughter and her family, brothers Dennis (Judy) Detienne, John (Sandra) Detienne, sister-in-laws, Shirley Detienne, Darleen (Howard) Sanders, brother-in-law, William Kennedy and many nieces and nephews.

Alta was a talented seamstress, even making Kathy’s wedding dress.  She was very creative and loved all types of crafts, quilting, knitting and especially working in her yard.  She enjoyed baking and would distribute her baked goods to her neighbors and friends.

Alta graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 1950 where she won the commercial department award.  She began work immediately upon graduation at Zion-State Bank as a teller, then secretary to the President and retired as Assistant Vice-President.  She tackled every job with passion and perfection. She was always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 3, 2018, from 10 – 11 am with service immediately following at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL.  Interment will follow at Hickory Union Cemetery, 19300 West Edwards Road, Antioch, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Community Church in Memory of Alta.