🌿 Memorial Service for Bonnie Kennedy
June 21, 1951 – July 4, 2025
We gather today in this circle of remembrance to honor the life and spirit of Bonnie Kennedy, beloved friend, family member, healer, and seeker.
In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, we come not to speak of dogma or doctrine, but to celebrate the gifts of a life well lived, to hold one another in compassion through grief, and to rekindle the light of love that Bonnie lit in so many hearts.
She walked this earth with an open heart, a healer's touch, and an eye always lifted to the stars.”
Chalice Lighting
As we light this chalice, symbol of Unitarian Universalism, we recognize the eternal flame of life and love that Bonnie carried and shared. Though her earthly flame has dimmed, the light she gave remains with us.
Native American poem
I give you this one thought to keep –
I am with you still; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush –
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still, in each new dawn.
In a moment, I’ll invite anyone who wishes to share:
Stories about Bonnie’s warmth, kindness, humor, and wisdom
Memories of her passion for astrology, nature, healing, and her tireless work in addiction recovery
“What is one way Bonnie’s presence changed your life or the world around her?”
First, a short photo montage to give us all some time to reflect and recall what we wish to share.
(SHOW MONTAGE)
Before we open our time of sharing, I’d like to take a moment together.
May I be steady, may I be clear.
May I speak with love and listen with openness.
May this gathering honor life, comfort the grieving,
and remind us of the connection between us all.
With that spirit, I invite any who wish to share their memories of Bonnie. As each person shares, we will light a candle to honor their words and the love they carry.
Reflection on Bonnie’s Life
Born on the Summer Solstice, June 21, 1951, Bonnie carried the light of the longest day throughout her life. Her love for the stars and the cycles of nature shaped her outlook, as did her compassionate heart dedicated to helping others heal.
In her work with addiction recovery, she walked beside people through darkness and into light, believing in every person’s capacity for transformation.
She taught us—through her words and through her actions—to trust the rhythms of life, to seek peace in nature, and to offer healing where we can.
As we remember her today, we carry forward her legacy of gentleness, resilience, and light.
Bonnie loved to meditate so in remembrance of that we’ll do a short meditation together:
Centering Meditation (Short Guided Meditation) 3 minute meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VE8kQycQcY
🎶 “Spirit of Life” – Carolyn McDade (UU Hymn)
Closing Words & Benediction
In this circle of love, we hold the memory of Bonnie Kennedy. Though she has departed from this earthly life, the energy of her love, her kindness, and her laughter will remain with us always.
Let us go forward, hearts open, spirits lifted, remembering that every time we choose compassion, we honor her memory.
May peace be with you all.
Thank you for joining us in honoring Bonnie’s life.
Obituary:
Bonnie C. Kennedy
Grandmother and Sister
Bonnie C. Kennedy, 74, of 316 N. 10th Street, Olean, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 at Wellsville Manor Care Center after a short illness.
Born on June 21, 1951, in Cuba, she was a daughter of Donald and Mabel Shaffer Kennedy.
Bonnie attended Cuba Central School, graduated with an associates degree from Jamestown Community College in 1980, and in 2007 graduated from Empire State College with her bachelor’s degree.
She provided addiction therapy for over thirty years retiring in 2015. While working and after she helped countless people struggling with addiction and substance abuse. She was a mentor, sponsor, and great friend to many. One of her own accomplishments being sober for 46 years.
Bonnie enjoyed astrology and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by; two granddaughters Alyssa (Jesse Weatherly) Payne of Cuba and Paige Payne of Cuba; a great granddaughter Karson Weatherly; two sisters June (Jim) Patterson of Roanoke, Virginia and Patricia (Robert) Sweet of Cuba; several nieces and nephews and a special niece Wendy Sweet of Olean.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter Shea Payne on February 14, 2016, her twin brother Robert C. Kennedy on September 13, 2013, and a sister Marjorie Congdon- Brent on December 13, 2021.