Patricia Drozd Kenney

Patricia Drozd Kenney, 67, of Mandarin, Florida died at home on Monday, October 5, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born July 19, 1948 in Greenport, New York to Edward and June Drozd. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, William F. Kenney, Jr., her children Kelly Kenney, William F. III (Jennifer), Matthew (Janet), Megan Raulston (Ronald) and eight darling grandchildren: Matthew, Will, Charles, Grace, Ben, Elijah, Kate and Maddy. She is dearly missed by those who knew her love, compassion and encouragement as a wife, mother, and grandmother. They are all the better for having her in their lives. After moving to St. Augustine in 1957 with her parents, sister (Carol) and brothers (Edward and Terry), Patricia attended Cathedral Parish School, and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Florida, and advanced degrees from the University of Florida. She taught history at Florida State College at Jacksonville, the University of North Florida, and the University of Florida. Her commitment to earning these degrees while raising her husband and four children is a testament to her strength and determination. As an educator, she strove to create an inclusive classroom, where every student was valued. It was important to her that her lectures were well prepared, engaging and had meaning for her students. Just as she was for her children, Patricia was a strong source of encouragement for her students. When not teaching, Patricia enjoyed quilting blankets by hand for her children, baking with her grandchildren, and working to preserve the history of the Tolomato Cemetery in St. Augustine. Family, friends, colleagues, and students of Patricia are invited to the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 12236 Mandarin Rd, Jacksonville, Saturday, October 10 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate her life, with a reception to follow. Burial is at 3:00 p.m. at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Green Cove Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s name to Tolomato Cemetery, 16 Cordova St., St. Augustine 32084 or Community Hospice, 4114 Sunbeam Road, Suite 400, Jacksonville 32257. Please sign the family’s online guest book at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.