Obituaries » Karen Susan Kennedy
Karen Susan Kennedy
Karen Kennedy passed away at 72 years old on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Lynchburg General Hospital. A Lynchburg native, Karen was born on September 8, 1949 at Virginia Baptist Hospital.
Karen was the daughter of the late Joseph Rosenberger Kennedy and Jessie Kendrick Kennedy. Karen is survived by her son (and only child) Hunter Kennedy Lyng. Hunter, his wife Kristine, and their daughter Colette live in Menlo Park, California. Karen was also married to Scott Lyng, of Lynchburg, 1975–1995. Karen’s siblings, Stephen Kennedy and Michael Kennedy, both who preceded her in death, have children that Karen was happy to have as loving nieces and nephews. Karen’s extended family was a big part of her life, especially the Rosenbergers.
Growing up in Lynchburg, Karen attended the Villa Maria and Seven Hills School, graduating from E.C. Glass High School.
Karen began working at Kennedy’s Tile in 1969, taking over the business in the 1970’s from her father who started the business in 1946. Owning and operating Kennedy’s Tile for nearly 40 years, Karen became friends with many homeowners, contractors, and Lynchburg locals. Everyone knew that if you wanted to catch-up with Karen, you could always find her at Kennedy’s Tile. After Kennedy’s Tile closed in 2010, Karen opened Motif Needle Arts, a specialty needle point store, for 3 years before she officially retired in 2013. In business and in life, Karen was a kind and caring soul but also tough as nails when necessary.
Karen is resting in peace, alongside her father Joe and brother Mike, in the Old City Cemetery’s columbarium.
A celebration of life will be held in Lynchburg this Fall. Details to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we would like to honor Karen’s love of dogs. Please consider donating to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502 in her memory.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory of Lynchburg has been most helpful assisting the family with final services, 434-237-9424.
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18+ yrs of mostly wonderful times nurturing friendships, traveling, house rehabing and raising a smart & loving son. RIP
Posted by Scott on August 25, 2022
Karen was a wonderful friend to our mother Diana and our family. She helped us so much throughout the years and was present for all the big events in our lives. We love Karen and will miss her. Sending peace and hope to Hunter and family. Love, Chris, Heather, Allison, and Mary Langhorne
Posted by Heather Sosnowsky on August 24, 2022
Karen was a great Mom. I worked for her at Kennedy’s for more than 10yr- first in high school on Saturday’s for gas money, before college to pay my rent, and during college so I could come to Lynchburg to do laundry. I will ignore the time in grades 1-5 when I would help in the warehouse or travel with the estimator on days off from school. Mom would’ve loved to see me take over the family business- the business I began learning at an early age. Fortunately I know she was proud of what I did differently. More importantly she loved everything about the person I married and every engagement she she saw from her granddaughter Colette, born in Karen’s last 8 months. I am happy to know Karen went just as she had wanted, from natural causes and in her sleep. I know tile and business too well, because of Karen. I learned a lot as an employee- from installing to finding flaws in tile already installed- but tile and family business was just a part of a bigger life lesson she was able to teach me. In closing Karen would be happy to know she went when it was her time to go- but also that the her friends cared for her and her family loved her. We love you and will miss you forever but be happy that you rest In peace.
Posted by Hunter Kennedy Lyng on August 24, 2022
I'll always remember the morning chores ritual to get to an afternoon of a long time ongoing rummy game ot tooling around in her green VW when we lived communally in Gordonsville. Karen taught me a lot. RIP, Karen.
Posted by Rita on August 14, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. We had some fun times from country living in the 70's to fun times in Lynchburg. Rest in peace and love old friend. My condolences to Hunter.
Posted by Linda Walraven on August 12, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Karen’s death. What a wonderful friend and sharp businesswoman. After her father’s death she ran the family business, Kennedy Tile, on Oakley Avenue. There’s not a contractor in this area that did not know her-tough-honest-making sure jobs were done right. My deepest sympathy to her son Hunter.
Posted by Roz Fulton on August 11, 2022
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