Bernice E. Kennedy

Bernice (B) Mitchem Biesemeier Kennedy 

Passed away in her home on January 18, 2020, after a long illness. 

She was born May 30, 1926, in St Louis, MO, to William Edward Mitchem and Margaret Domay, both of Chamois, MO. The family moved back to Chamois shortly after her birth. 

She was the oldest of four children, and often talked about the time spent time helping with the younger children, the gardens and the farm animals. She was a very talented pianist and singer, and was a part of many plays, concerts, church services and weddings. She also sang with a small band that played in towns around Chamois. 

B married her life love, Henry Biesemeier, once he returned from Army active duty on December 21, 1946. They were married until his death in 1965.

She then met a man from Denver , Bill Kennedy, who was visiting St Louis. They were married and moved to Denver in 1967.  Bill passed away in 1989. B remained in their home for the remainder of her life. 

B was fiercely independent and never met a challenge she couldn’t tackle. She loved taking care of others. She was a great cook and loved the outdoors, gardening, reading, and especially caring for her grandchildren as they grew. 

B was preceded in death by her husband Henry Biesemeier, her husband William  Kennedy, her parents, and her sister Vivian Rouchon. She is survived by her brother Lee (Virginia) Mitchem, her sister Mary (Richard) Lyell, her daughters Suzie (Lynn) Barten, Sandy (John) Mills and Pip (Steve) Kurtz; her grandchildren Gabe Sanders, Erin Sanders, Ty Barten, Matt Barten, Casey Barten, Seth Kurtz, Jess Kurtz and Atalie Kurtz; and by 11 beautiful great-grandchildren. 

B was a beloved mother and grandmother, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. But she’d want us all to remember the good times we had with her, and smile in remembrance.