Obituary of Carol Ann Kennealy

Carol Anne (Marland) Kennealy of Pensacola, Florida passed away August 8, 2023. She was born January 21, 1941, in Boston, MA. She was 82 years old. Carol is survived by her two daughters – Linda Kennealy Villanova and Barbara Rand (Tom Rand) both of Pensacola also. She was fortunate to have 4 grandchildren whom she loved dearly (and joked with very much): Kaeyla Van Sickle (Keatton Van Sickle), Ted Rand (Molly Jensen), Lindsay Rand (Bailey Ulbricht) and Nicholas Villanova and one great-grandchild James (Jamie) Paul Van Sickle as well as her devoted canine companion, Ezzie.  Carol was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Mary (Curran) Marland and one sister Mary Jo (Marland) Graves.

Carol grew up in Malden, Massachusetts and graduated with a Registered Nurse diploma from Mt. Auburn School of Nursing in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  As a natural caretaker, she enjoyed many fulfilling years as a nurse, in both hospital and school settings, and, in doing so she provided immeasurable comfort and healing to those in her care.  Later in life her adventurous spirit moved her to excel at a second career starting with Crimson Travel in Cambridge Massachusetts.  This enabled her to achieve her lifelong dream of seeing the world and guiding others to do so as well.

After retirement, that same adventurous spirit drew her to reside in Ireland for a number of years and become a citizen of Ireland thereby fulfilling another bucket list item.  She was so proud of her Irish heritage and ancestry and the opportunity to reconnect with her family roots and rekindle her childhood memories brought her immense happiness.

The most important component of Carol’s life was family which resulted in her raising her daughters in a warm and loving home environment. With an avid interest in literature, she imparted the value of reading award winning books from the time that Linda and Barbara were young children.

Carol (Nanny) was intimately involved  and interested in the lives of her four grandchildren each of whom she groomed to become expert hokey pokey dancers.  Yet she also lived life on her own terms.  She was very loving and opinionated, all at the same time never losing the twinkle in her eye which has been passed down through three generations including the master twinkler himself, her great-grandson, Jamie.  Nanny will be missed greatly.

At her request, a traditional funeral service will be replaced by a Celebration of Life for family and friends to share stories and, in her own words, “have a big party”.  This celebration will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, Noon – 2:00 PM, at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Rd., Pensacola Florida.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Saraland Animal Shelter

c/o City of Saraland

943 Saraland Blvd. S

Saraland, Alabama 36571

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