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AUSTINTOWN -- Leona LaVerne Kennedy, 77, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital in Boardman.
She was born on May 15, 1949, a daughter of the late Leonard Y. Morris and Caroline J. Haberman Morris.
Leona LaVerne Morris married Russell Kennedy on Aug. 24, 1968; together they shared 58 years of marriage and wonderful memories.
She found joy in the simple things she loved most. She enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles and was quite the competitor when it came to board games like Yahtzee. She also loved crossword puzzles and could spend hours challenging herself with them. Fireworks were always a favorite. She never missed an opportunity to watch WWE wrestling.
Family was at the heart of everything she did. She treasured every family gathering and especially loved cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. She was always there to support them, and, true to her nature, she was usually the very last one to leave. More than anything, her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by the people she loved. Time spent with her will remain a beautiful part of her family's lives forever.
LaVerne leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and countless cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Russell Kennedy; children, Lisa (Bruce) Shepas, Steven (Samantha) Kennedy and Erica (Ben) Melendez; grandchildren, Nathan, Elena, Talia, Tori, Isaac, Izabella, Benjamin Jr., Kaydence, Alexandria, Abigail and Colton; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Janet Woodword; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Caroline J. Hilsen.
LaVerne's family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, and 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at Lane Funeral Home, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH 44515.
Funeral services will be immediately following at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery, Austintown.
Arrangements for Mrs. Kennedy are being provided by the Lane Funeral Homes Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH 44515.
The obituary may be viewed, and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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