It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Charlene Kennedy of Coaldale, Alberta, beloved wife of Rick Kennedy. Charlene passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the age of 81 years.
Charlene was born in St. John’s, New Brunswick, on October 11, 1944, to Doren MacDonald. In 1963, she married the late Gerald Allen, and together they welcomed two children, Dan Allen and Sandra Laurie. The family later moved to Alberta, where they settled in the town of Lethbridge and made it their home. Following Gerald’s passing, Charlene found love again and married Rick Kennedy. Together, they moved to Coaldale, where Charlene lived until her passing.
Charlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, and to many, a second home. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her kitchen table was always open for a cup of tea, a meal, or a conversation, and there was always room for one more, people and animals alike. She made her home a place of warmth, care, and unconditional acceptance.
Charlene was especially proud of her family and found great joy in her great-grandbabies, who brought light to her later years. Family was at the center of Charlene’s life, and she created lasting traditions, especially at Christmas. She made the holidays magical with endless decor, Christmas music, big meals, and her famous shortbread cookies, always ensuring no one was ever left out.
Charlene had a deep love for animals and cared for many cats and dogs throughout her life; her pets were always well loved and spoiled. This compassion extended to all living things.
She and Rick spent many years travelling across North America through their trucking career, visiting nearly every state. Those years on the road brought friendships, stories, and memories that she cherished.
Creative and hands-on, Charlene enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting, and baking, often with a cup of tea nearby. She could frequently be found working on a project or enjoying a quiet game of Solitaire in her kitchen.
She was also known for her love of conversation and connection. Whether by phone, visit, or spontaneous stop-in, Charlene made sure you would stay in touch. If a call was missed, it was not uncommon to find several voicemails from her, each one a reminder of her care and presence in the lives of those she loved most.
Charlene leaves behind a legacy of love, tradition, and countless memories shared around her kitchen table. Her presence will be deeply missed in every corner of family life, from holidays to everyday moments.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Rick Kennedy; her son, Dan (Pat) Allen; her daughter, Sandra Laurie; her grandchildren, Noël (Blair), Ashlyn, Kristen (Aaron), and Jackson (Maddie); her great-grandchildren, Morgan, Avery, Blakely, and Tahner; her sisters, Joyce (Kenny) Lyons and Mae (Lenny) Martin-Poulsen; her brother, Bobby Martin; her brother-in-law, Bill McMitchell (husband of the late Freda Phipps); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Charlene was predeceased by her first husband, Gerald Allen; her mother, Doren MacDonald; her sister, Freda Phipps; her brothers, Leo Martin, Edward Martin, and Ronnie Martin; and nephew Stacey Lyons.
A private celebration of life will be held with family at a later date.
Donations in Charlene’s memory may be made to the Lethbridge Humane Society, an organization close to her heart in honor of her deep and abiding love for animals.