Bernita (Bea) J. Kennedy, 87, of Grand Island died Sunday, April 28, 2013 in her home. Family will greet friends from 4-7 pm Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home. At 5 pm there will be a time of prayer and sharing with Father Mike McDermott officiating. There will be no viewing as Bea wanted "to go to college" and donated her body to the Anatomical Board of Nebraska for medical education and scientific research. Memorials are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans or to family for later designation.

Bea was born in Belgrade, Nebraska on October 3, 1925 to Henry and Zella (Ostrander) Schoening. She lived the majority of her life in Grand Island, Nebraska. Bea married Melvin (Bud) Kennedy in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska on June 16, 1944 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. During her life, Bea enjoyed raising their 10 children, reading, and needlepoint.

Bea is survived by her spouse, Bud Kennedy, 2 brothers, Neil and Galen Schoening, 10 children, 26 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

Bea was preceded in death by her younger sister, Diann Elstermeier, and her parents, Henry and Zella Schoening.


Family will greet friends from 4-7 pm Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home. At 5 pm there will be a time of prayer and sharing with Father Mike McDermott officiating. There will be no viewing as Bea wanted "to go to college" and donated her body to the Anatomical Board of Nebraska for medical education and scientific research. Memorials are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans or to family for later designation.