Gertrude Kennedy

Gertrude Kennedy passed away on April 14, 2023, at the age of 98.

She was born on October 4th, 1924 in Harrisville, WV to Ward E. and Laura Venus (Davisson) Gamble.

She graduated from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music with a BA, double major in Music and English, playing both piano and violin.

She later earned an MA in counselling from the University of Akron, after which she volunteered for United Way at the Information and Referral office.  She received so many calls from victims of domestic violence that she began looking for a way to create a program in Stark County.  With the help of two “fearless ladies,” Helen Syrios and Nancy Boylan, the Domestic Violence Project was born.

She had a strong Christian faith and stood up to help when she perceived injustice, opening her home to exchange students and even a family who needed a transition home.

Gertrude also counseled “at risk” teens at the Human Services Center in Wooster, which inspired her to write an anti-drug play for use in middle school.

Gertrude was very creative and loved sewing, knitting and other needle arts.  She also loved making dolls and stuffed animals, always looking for a new challenge.

Her children and grandchildren always knew they were loved and cherished. Left to treasure her memory are her children, Marion Kim, Alice (Jack) Mendelsohn, Don (Carol) Kennedy, Dave (Dee) Kennedy, Carol Hall, Susan (Richard) Stokes, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Morrison Kennedy, who she married in July 1944 and who died in August 2007, and her son-in-law, Yong-Bock Kim.

Per her wishes there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Domestic Violence Project, Inc., PO Box 9459, Canton, OH 44711-9459.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sanders Funeral Home, 218 Nassau St. E, East Canton, OH 44730. Friends and family may share condolences and memories online at www.sandersfuneralhomes.com