Irene Kennedy Obituary

Irene Agnes Kennedy, age 93, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 16, 2026, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Born in Detroit, Michigan to Anthony and Anna Brazer, Irene spent many years living in Secord Township, where she built a life rooted in faith, family, and love with her husband Charles. For the final eight years of her life, she resided mostly in Royal Oak, where she lived with her daughter Brenda until her passing.

Irene lived her life with unwavering faith in Christ. Her faith was not only spoken but lived- through kindness, generosity, and a heart always willing to serve others. She always made time for people- whether to help out, share advice, offer a good lecture, or simply listen when someone needed her. Irene was the kind of person who would do anything to protect her family and loved ones, but she was never afraid to speak the truth. She loved being outdoors and spent her summers boating and swimming on Secord Lake. She rode bikes and four-wheelers with her kids and grandkids, played cards and board games with them until late at night, and truly never let her age slow her down, even learning to drive and receiving her first drivers license in 1997 at the age of 65. Irene was always up for an adventure no matter how big or small. Her grandkids knew if Great-Grandma was around, laughter and fun were sure to be on the agenda. Irene was kind and feisty, gentle yet strong, and she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply and took great joy in being part of their lives.

Irene is survived by her children; Brenda Capozzoli, Charles Kennedy (Sharon), Lawrence Kennedy (Mary); her grandchildren; Elisabeth Strek (Tom), Michael Capozzoli (Amanda), Heather Kennedy, Kristie Markous (Adam), Charles (KC) Kennedy and Jennifer Ramirez (Ernesto). She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren that adored her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Anna Brazer, her husband Charles Kennedy, her son-in-law Carmen Capozzoli, and her grandchildren Mykul Archambault and Joseph Archambault. Irene leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, prayer, and devotion that will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Irene’s wishes were to be cremated and buried next to her husband Charles in Gladwin, MI which the family hopes will take place later this spring. A mass in memory of Irene will take place on February 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am, at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church located at 28353 Herbert Street, Madison Heights, 48071.