Maria Patrice Kennedy

After 34 years of filling our hearts with love and laughter, Maria Patrice Kennedy passed peacefully from health complications on January 6, 2021.

Maria was born on Dec. 20, 1986 in Santiago, Chile. When she was three years old, she was adopted into the Kennedy family by Patrick and Gretchen Kennedy, where she would become the seventh child in a large, loving family that would eventually grow to include eight children. She is survived by her sister Pilar, her partner Phil and her daughter Kayla (24); brother Todd, his wife Michelle and their children Silas (11), Willa (9) and Simeon (5); brother Gil; brother Javier, his wife Sherri and their son Sebastian (11); brother Joel, his wife Julie and their sons Malachy (15) and Walden (12); and sister Bianca. She joins her sister, Anita, and father, Patrick, in heaven.

Smiling and inspiring, Maria was impervious to her lifelong battles with health and the limitations placed on her from being born with special needs. She approached each day with joy and delight - from spinning toys and affectionate hair touches to snuggling, singing “songs” and playing with water. Maria reminded us to revel in the happiness of each moment and unabashedly show love unto others. Easily quotable and even quicker to repeat a favorite phrase, Maria was a light to all within eyesight and earshot, expressing love with a look and a word in a way no one else could. The lessons of love and patience she imparted to those she touched through the years are her gift and legacy that will last for years to come.

Maria will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio. A memorial service and celebration of Maria’s life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for Autism (28700 Euclid Ave., Mailbox #120, Wickliffe, OH 44092) in Maria’s honor. 

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory Fairlawn Chapel 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333