Martha E. Kennedy, 89

December 20, 2025

Martha E. Kennedy, 89, of St Anne’s Retirement Community, Columbia, PA, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Helma (Wallo) Frerichs. She was the loving wife of the late Yates F. Kennedy.

While living in New York, Martha was an active member of Advent Lutheran Church in Elmont and the Elmont VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She spent most of her life in New York before later moving to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to be closer to her family. In her earlier years, she found joy in gardening and took great pleasure in bird watching. She loved spending time at the beach and especially enjoyed going for car rides during the holiday season to admire Christmas lights. Martha had a deep love for animals and loved the many pets she cared for over the years. She enjoyed crafting and socializing with her friends at SARC. Above all, Martha cherished time spent with her family, holding a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Marshall) Matthews; her siblings, Carol Clanton and William Frerichs; her daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy; her grandchildren, Derrick, Evan, Nathan, and Alexandra; her great-grandchildren, Blaire and Jack; one niece and four nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Yates; and her son, Richard Kennedy.

Services are being held privately at the convenience of the family.