Obituary of Elizabeth Kennen

Elizabeth (Betty) Kornhaas Kennen passed away peacefully on Thursday August 12, 2021 at Hancock Hall in Danbury, CT  at the age of 91.

Betty was born in Danbury, CT – the daughter of Martin Kornhaas and Anna (Keane) Kornhaas. She was a graduate of Danbury High School in 1948 and she earned her Bachelor’s of Elementary Education at Danbury State Teachers College in 1952. She spent five years teaching students at the Redding Elementary School and undoubtedly influenced the lives of many children.

Betty married the love of her life, Don Kennen, on July 31,  1954 at St. Peters Church and together they raised  three children and built an amazing life together – filled with respect, love, laughter, kindness and partnership.  She loved travelling  to Cape Cod with her sisters, spending time with family, sitting on her deck talking to neighbors, reading a good book, and doing the daily crossword puzzle as she drank her tea.

She was a lifelong member of St. Gregory the Great Church,  and a regular at 4:30 mass on Saturday. Her faith in God was unwavering and she lived her life in a way that guaranteed her a spot in heaven as she treated everyone she met with respect, and never had a negative word to say about anyone.

Betty is survived by her son Tim Kennen and his wife Terri of Danbury,  daughter Mary LaPenta and her husband Jerry of Bristol, CT,  and  daughter-in-law Sue Kennen of Wappingers Falls, NY. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren – Jennifer Obuchowski and her husband Dan , Kristine Kennen-D’Amario and her husband Adam, Tyler Kennen and his wife Kaitlyn, Troy Kennen and his wife Lindsey, Ashley LaPenta, and Jerry LaPenta IV. Betty was also blessed with 6 great-grandchildren: Lina Rose Kennen, Eleanor Jane Obuchowski, Gavin Rider D’Amario, Evie Mae Kennen, Parker Levi Kennen and Timothy Wyatt Obuchowski.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Marie Kornhaas and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Don, her son Greg, and her 8 siblings – Helen, Ruth, Jake, Kate, Don, Bob, Sally and Bill

The Kennen family would like to thank the lovely members of Hancock Hall who took such wonderful care of Betty during her final chapter. We would also like to thank the wonderful members of the Maplewood  Memory Care floor for the incredible care she received during her stay. We would also like to thank the “angels” who cared for both Betty and Don during the last years in their home – Stella, Gladys, Claudia and Genesis – forever grateful.  We would also like to thank Betty’s neighbors Bob and Sue Wohlken for their many years of friendship.

There will be a Memorial Service for Betty  on Wednesday August 18, 2021 at 11:00 at St. Gregory the Great Church in Danbury, CT. There will be no calling hours. The family will have a private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Betty’s name to St. Gregory the Great Church