Toni Salas
Kennedy
Toni Salas Kennedy returned home to the Lord on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Toni was born in Parral, Mexico on May 2, 1922 to the late Juan and Concepcion Salas.
Toni graduated from Santa Paula Union High School where she had excelled in her academics. She continued her educated at Biola University in Los Angeles.
As a teenager, Toni began working the family business, El Brillante Market. She continued for many years becoming the market bookkeeper during World War Il. It was here that she met Harold B. Kennedy. They later married and were blessed with three children Harold James Kennedy, Gary Barton Kennedy (Debbie) and Pamela Elaine Kennedy-Luna (John).
Toni was an active and proud member of El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church since childhood. She was involved in the church choir, as a Sunday school teacher, as delegate to the United Methodist church Annual Conference, in addition to various leadership roles within the church.
Santa Paulans will remember that Toni worked for the local elementary school district at Barbara Webster and Thelma Bedell schools. She held the position of PTA President a East School. She was a Den Mother for Cub Pack 3305 and later involved as a supporting mother for Boy Scout Troop 307.
Toni enjoyed family vacations especially camping trips to the beach. She also enjoyed Bible studies and fellowship with church friends. She will always be remembered as a woman of virtue and loving kindness. Her quiet eloquence was felt by all.
Toni continually strived to help others in need and be a role model to many. She volunteered in a number of organizations such as Brown Bag Food Assistance Project, Project Understanding, and Twin Pines Church Services.
In addition to her children, Toni is survived by her grandchildren, Alyssa Jones (Alex) Justine Kennedy, Sherilyn Kennedy, Elisha Kennedy, Jordan Kennedy, Megan Kennedy, Vanessa Luna and Hannah Kennedy. She is also survived by brothers, sisters and cousins, Estella Russell (Richard), Samuel Salas (Annie), Alice Guevarra (Henry), Lydia Taylor, Robert Salas (Josie), Tita Vargas, Alfonso and Ruth Favila.
Toni is preceded in death by her Husband Harold B Kennedy, siblings Florentino Martinez, Johnnie Salas, Noemi Pineda, David Salas and Victor Salas.__
The Kennedy Family would like to extend their gratitude to the ICU medical staff at Santa Paula Hospital for their sensitivity and attention given to Toni Kennedy.
