Sister Clarene Kennedy died Friday, March 03, 2023, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS. She was 80 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 32 years. She was born in McCook, NE, on June 27, 1942, to James and Loretta Meyers Kennedy, the fourth of four children, and was baptized Clarene Marie. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS on September 1, 1989. On September 4, 1990, Clarene received the habit. She pronounced first vows on June 5, 1992, and final vows on June 9, 1995.
Sister Clarene attended the Dominican School of Nursing in Great Bend, Kansas and received her diploma and nursing license in 1964. She worked as a nurse in hospitals and nursing homes for over 30 years. After entering the Sisters of Saint Joseph she spent a year in El Paso, Texas and then returned to Concordia and worked at Manna House of Prayer. She later completed Clinical pastoral education and attended Aquinas Institute of Theology and worked in parishes and nursing homes. She retired to the Motherhouse in January, 2016.
Sister Clarene was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. A Bible Vigil Service will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in the Nazareth Motherhouse Chapel with Sister Mary Jo Thummel as the eulogist. This will be followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel, Father Barry Brinkman presiding. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Clarene Kennedy may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
