Carolyn M. Kennedy 83, died peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025 in Southborough surrounded by her loving family.
Carolyn was born in Hartford, CT, the daughter of the late Carl F. Carlstrom and Mary C. (Theriault) White.
Carolyn is survived by her 3 children, Michael Carl Kennedy and his husband Tiago of Southborough, David P. Kennedy and his wife Adela of Northborough, Julie D. Kennedy Doherty of Southborough, 7 grandchildren, Marc, Danielle, Caroline and Michael, Gabriella, Tatyana and Christina, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Dennis P. Kennedy, in February, 2023.
Carolyn was also predeceased by her granddaughter, Brianna C. Kennedy in 2002 and her son-in-law Marc D. Doherty in 2009.
In her younger years she called Newton Highlands home, while spending lots of time with her family living in Maine. She later moved to Southboro and graduated from Peter’s High, where she met her future husband, Dennis Kennedy. Carolyn shared her kindness and nurturing spirit with others as a nursing home caregiver and health aid. Eventually, Carolyn and Dennis planted their roots in Marlboro, raising three children and opening Kennedy’s Restaurant in 1981, and Kennedy’s Market in 1997. Her warmth and affectionate smile made not only the guests and employees feel welcomed, but also the entire community. She had a simple elegance about her and was full of grace, independence and a quiet, unmatched strength.
Carolyn’s true passion was her family, dedicating herself to providing her children and grandchildren with the best life they could have. She loved gathering her friends and family, making wonderful meals, celebrating holidays and simply the beauty of a full and happy life. Carolyn spent her summers with family and friends at the lake in Maine, and her winters in Naples, Florida. She was known to all as “Grammy,” perfectly fitting her funny, loving and caring spirit.
To know her truly is to love her.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 4-7 pm in the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main Street., Southborough, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11 am in St Matthew Church, 26 Highland St., Southborough, MA. Burial will be private at a later date
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Melanoma treatment center. To donate, select the link below.
Donate to Dana-Farber and help fight cancer | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute1
For more information and to view an online memorial please visit, www.shortandrowefuneralhome.com
(Photo and Obituary via Short & Rowe Funeral Home)
- [Editor’s Note: the link for Dana-Farber donations was missing on the funeral homes’ obituary pages, but I found this page here dedicated to Memorial and Tribute donations.]
