Lou Ann Kennelly

Lou Ann Kennelly, a longtime resident of Short Hills, passed away on February 21, 2015 at the age of 81. A graduate of Columbia High School in Maplewood, Lou Ann attended Centenary Junior College in Hackettstown, graduating with an Associate Degree. Indicative of her lifelong love of learning, Lou Ann returned to school later in life, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Kean College, graduating magna cum laude. Lou Ann worked as an Executive Secretary for the Port Authority of NY & NJ, where she met her future husband James M. Kennelly, Jr., to whom she was married for 49 years. She later worked as an Executive Secretary at IBM, until she left in 1959 to start a family. In 1977, Lou Ann began a long and successful career in real estate with Degnan Realtors, and was most recently with Weichert Realtors. During her early years of marriage, Lou Ann was a member of the Junior Fortnightly Club in Summit, where she served as Treasurer. She was a creative and fun-loving Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for many years at St. Rose of Lima School in Short Hills. From 1997-2008, Lou Ann was a dedicated volunteer with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and in 2006 was awarded the Cameo Award, national recognition of her exceptional contributions and to acknowledge her commitment to the fulfillment of the Komen Promise. Lou Ann centered her life around bringing happiness to others; not just on special occasions and holidays, but every day of her life. One of her greatest joys was to prepare large meals for family and friends gathered around her table. Lou Ann had a open and loving heart and was accepting of all. Predeceased by her husband, James M. Kennelly, Jr., Lou Ann is survived by her children Nan Kennelly Easterbrook and her husband Gregg of Bethesda, MD, James M. Kennelly, III and his wife Toshiko of Long Hill, and Elizabeth Kennelly of Hoboken; grandchildren Grant, Mara & Spenser Easterbrook and James M. Kennelly, IV; sister Patricia Porter; and niece Jessie Porter Hays. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10am at St Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave., Short Hills, NJ. You are also invited to join Lou Ann’s family at a reception at the Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Ave. in Florham Park, NJ on Saturday from 12pm-3pm, to continue the celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Memory of Lou Ann may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, North Jersey Affiliates at 44 Middle Ave., 2nd Floor, Summit, NJ 07901. For more information or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com