Jean B (Brownlie) Kennedy

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Gran, sister, aunt, and friend, Jean Brand Beveridge Brownlie Kennedy, far better known as Ena, who died in the comfort of her own home on May 18, 2025. Born in January 1938 in Broomhouse, Scotland, to Robert Brownlie and Barbara Sharp, she grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and Scottish pride—values she carried with her throughout her life. On December 22, 1956, she married the love of her life, John Kennedy, in Lanarkshire, Scotland, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with travel, hard work, and love. Together, they immigrated through RockIsland, Canada, to make their first home together in Sherbrooke Canada, located in Southern Quebec County. They later settled in Gouverneur, Northern New York, where Ena gave birth to her first two children, Janice and Alan, at Noble Hospital. It was here that her beloved sister and best friend, Agnes (Nan) Henderson, her husband John (Iain) and their son Iain ("Butch") Henderson joined her. Nans second child Christine also arrived during their time in New York. The two sisters raised their families side by side—a bond that remained unbreakable throughout their lives. The two families later moved to Westfield, Massachusetts, where Ena had her third child, Julie—at yet another Noble Hospital—and built a new life alongside her husband, children, and sister. In 1977, she proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States, while always holding tightly to her Scottish identity and traditions. Ena was a woman of quiet strength. She was devoted to making sure everyone around her was comfortable and happy. She was instrumental in helping her husband build a successful business, Structural Steel Detailing. But her greatest joy—and most cherished role—was being a mother and grandmother. She dedicated over forty years to raising her children and later embraced her grandchildren's lives with boundless love and support. Whether cheering from the sidelines at baseball games, freezing at the hockey rink, sitting proudly at equestrian and dance events, or simply hosting joyful family gatherings by the pool, she was always their biggest fan. She especially loved family vacations on Cape Cod, indulging in chocolate, and hosting her siblings from Scotland when they visited. Those summer visits were the highlight of her year, a living connection to her homeland. Her pride in her Scottish heritage never faded, and she made sure to pass on its traditions, values, and stories to her children and grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, John Kennedy; her sister and lifelong companion, Agnes (Nan) Henderson; and her nephew, Iain (Butch) Henderson. She is survived by her loving children: Janice B. Dasso and her husband Kenneth Dasso, Alan T. Kennedy, and Julie A. Connors—all of Westfield, MA. She also leaves behind her adored grandchildren: Cahrissa E. Dasso of Rhode Island, Tanner J. Dasso and his wife Amy of New Hampshire, Gavin K. Connors, currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and Grace J. Connors of Westfield, MA. Her surviving siblings in Scotland—Sandra Grieve and her husband Bob, Barbara Shevlin and her husband John, and Robert Brownlie—remained very close despite the miles between them. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John (Iain) Henderson of Southwick, MA, and many beloved nieces and nephews in both the United States and Scotland, with whom she maintained strong and loving relationships. Ena lived a life of grace, strength, loyalty, and love. She was the cornerstone of her family, a quiet force of nature who created a home filled with a strong sense of belonging. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in every tradition she passed down and every life she touched. A private memorial will be held to honor her life. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to remember her in the way she loved most: by gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, eating sweets, and celebrating life together.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean B (Brownlie) Kennedy, please visit our floral store.