Frances Kennedy-Murray

Frances F. Kennedy-Murray, 82, Topeka, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Midland Hospice Care.

Frances was born March 19, 1923 in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of William Adair and Cora Hardy Field.

She graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City, MO. Frances and her husband Dr. Howard Kennedy moved to Topeka in 1948 to establish his medical practice. Frances attended Washburn University and received her Bachelors degree in Biology and later her Masters degree in Guidance & Counseling. She taught in the Topeka Public School system for many years.

Frances was a Deaconess and Sunday School teacher at First Congregational Church and served on the Board of Trustees, was a member of the Topeka Country Club, served on the board of the Shawnee County Mental Health Agency, and was active in the Shawnee County Medical Auxiliary. She served as a den mother for Cub Scouts and worked with the Senior Girl Scouts.

She married Dr. Howard U. Kennedy in1943. He died in 1982. She married Charles John Murray in 1990. He died in 1995. Survivors include a son, Bill Kennedy, his wife Susie and their children, Leslee Kennedy, Misty Kennedy Stofer and husband Eric Stofer and Elizabeth Kennedy and Emily Kennedy, and a son, Dr. Scott Kennedy, his wife Kathy and their children, Kristen Kennedy Starr and husband, Mark Starr, and Molly Kennedy Moore and husband, Colin Moore.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at First Congregational Church. Private family inurnment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Frances requested that Memorial Contributions may be made to First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Midland Hospice Care, Inc., 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606

A special message for the family can be left online at www.PenwellGabel.com.