Doris Kennedy Obituary

Doris Miriam Kennedy, age 99, of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, passed away peacefully in the presence of family at the Halifax Hospice Care Center in Port Orange on October 28, 2026. Burial services will be private, and a small memorial gathering for family and close friends is anticipated at a later date.

Doris was born on April 29, 1927, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Rachel (Webb) Seitz and James Seitz. In 1946, she married “the most handsome man she had ever met”, John (Jack) Kennedy, after first dating him in Flint while he was home on leave from the Marines. Their love story lasted an amazing 77 years before he passed away in 2024, also at age 99. Her beloved sister, Kathleen Pettengill, preceded her in death in 2017.

Doris is survived by her three children – son John (Lisa) Kennedy of Grand Blanc, MI; daughter Jill Kennedy of Crossville, TN; daughter Jeri (John) Beel of Port Orange, FL; five grandchildren – Sean (Ashley) Kennedy, Tony (Shelby) Kennedy, Rachel (Chris) Kennedy, Jessi Beel, and Jarrett Beel; five great-grandchildren Sofia, Lorenzo, Emelia, Lucas, and Josie; two nephews – Dennis (Diana) Pettengill and Dave (Becky) Pettengill; and other loving family and friends.

Doris worked as a secretary in the Purchasing Department at Buick Motor Division early in her marriage before becoming a full-time mom and homemaker, her main priority. She was an excellent cook and baker – her chocolate éclairs were a legendary birthday treat. She was also a wonderful listener and always made time to help someone who needed a sympathetic ear. In her younger years, she enjoyed gardening, swimming, sewing, and refinishing furniture. She was also an avid reader and had a big heart for animals.

After Jack retired, they moved from Michigan to the Daytona Beach area and soon became frequent travelers. They ventured near and far, visiting all 50 states and taking various cruises to other countries. They made new friends wherever they went and loved telling stories about their mischievous journeys. Doris and Jack attended Westminster-by-the-Sea Presbyterian Church for over 20 years, and she enjoyed dressing “to the nines” for church and arriving early enough to catch up with friends before the service. She also enjoyed playing bridge and spent many years with Jack in a couple’s bridge club before joining the Peninsula Club, where she played bridge with friends for many years. Doris attributed her long life to her faith, morning walks, and making sure to laugh every day. Her favorite TV shows were America’s Funniest Home Videos and The Lawrence Welk Show.

We are deeply grateful to the angels at Halifax Health Hospice for their gentle care and compassion, both when Doris was at home and at the Port Orange Care Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring her memory with a donation to Westminster-by-the-Sea Presbyterian Church at 3221 S. Peninsula Dr., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118 (386-767-8342) or to Halifax Health Hospice Port Orange at 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129 (386-425-4701): https://halifaxhealth.org/hospice-donation-portal.