Kennedy was born in Newman Grove, Neb., in 1912. She met and married G. Edward Kennedy and had five children.

The family moved to California in 1950. But before relocating, the Kennedys visited California looking for a place to settle. The Kennedys chose the San Jose area because San José State College—now San José State University—appealed to them, according to Kennedy's daughter, Diane Pike. They chose a house in the Willow Glen area because of the new elementary schools scheduled to open.

Edward had a family business in Nebraska that he had to sell prior to making the long trip to California. It was up to Arlene to drive herself and the family's five small children across the country and settle into the Willow Glen neighborhood before her husband could join her.

"My mother was a stay-at-home mother," Pike said. "But she was always very busy with her volunteer work."

Kennedy was an active member of her community and church. She served as president of the Women's Society at Willow Glen United Methodist Church and was the church's fifth-grade Sunday school teacher. She was also a delegate for the church at the annual Methodist conference for six years and was on the administration board for several years.

She was also a candy striper at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. She volunteered at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center and worked on the election board for several years.

"My mother's hobby was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother," said Pike.

At the time of her death Kennedy is survived by her sons Dennis, James and Scott Kennedy and her daughters Diane Pike and Jean Sprague. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Approximately 250 people attended services for Kennedy at Willow Glen United Methodist Church.

The family has asked that contributions be made in Arlene Kennedy's name to the Willow Glen Methodist Church or to the P.E.O. Sisterhood at P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312-2899 or to the homeless program ACTS, c/o Willow Glen United Methodist Church.