Virginia Louise Falciola Kennedy

Virginia Louise Falciola Kennedy, 95, of Drexel died peacefully on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 following a period of declining health. Born in Union City, NJ on November 4, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Adeline (Verbena) Falciola.When she was twelve years old, she participated in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. and met President Hoover. Representing New Jersey, she finished in 10th place. Virginia later graduated from Emerson High School.In 1942 she married James Lawrence Kennedy of Keyport, NJ. She was an active member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Keyport for 48 years. Virginia worked at Grand Union Supermarket in Hazlet, NJ and retired from Wallace Clothing Store in Keyport, where she was a bookkeeper. After retiring, she volunteered at Bayshore Hospital Thrift Shop in Keyport, delivered "Meals on Wheels", and participated in a home friend program where she "adopted" a senior citizen. In 1994 Virginia moved to Morganton, NC, where she became an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She also volunteered with the Soup Kitchen at Burke United Christian Ministries.Virginia was known for her strong faith, happy and positive attitude, sweet smile, willingness to give of herself for others, and love of family and friends. She was a wonderful example of graceful aging.Virginia is survived by her daughters, Judith Kozma and her husband, Walter, of Drexel, NC, Kathleen Jones and her husband, Richard "Spike" of Belfast, NY, and Eileen Kennedy of Littleton, CO; sons, James W. Kennedy of New York, NY and Robert L. Kennedy of Ruskin, FL; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law; a brother-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Kennedy, four sisters, and one brother.A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Calvary Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Michael Riley officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. Virginia’s cremated remains will be interred at Shoreland Memorial Gardens in Hazlet, NJ at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 119 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.