Elaine Elizabeth Mahoney Kennedy of Medford, NJ passed away at home on Sunday, April 26, 2020 in the loving care of her family.
She was born on February 12, 1951 and was the cherished daughter of Elizabeth Mahoney and the late William Mahoney. She was the loving wife for 30 years of Harold Kennedy and the devoted mother of Sadie Jean. She is survived by her sisters Kathleen Donlin (Brendon), Michele Slivak (Michael) and brother William (Suzanne) Mahoney. Elaine was the proud and dedicated aunt of Krista, Daniel, Michael, Caitlin, Matthew, Leah and the late Jonathan. She recently became the great-aunt of Sophia Grace. Elaine was also a wonderful aunt to her extended families. Her entire family meant the world to her.
Elaine attended Gloucester Catholic High School and Cabrini College. She graduated from George Washington University where she pursued a career in Political Science.
Her passion for Public Relations and Government Affairs continued throughout her life. Elaine began her career as a Capitol Hill Liaison for the State of NJ under the administration of Brendan Byrne. She held many positions and worked under several Governors. She served as a Liaison for the New Jersey Builders' Association, UMDNJ and was the Executive Secretary on the Local Finance Board within the Department of Community Affairs.
Elaine also formed her own company Strategic Partners, a government and business advocacy firm. She recently retired as Director of Government Affairs for Rowan University. She was a Panel Member for the Integrated Health Advisory.
Elaine was an extremely charismatic, remarkable and spirited person. As she often reminded us, Elaine had her own timeline. She will always be remembered for the love and the laughter that she brought to all her dear friends.
Very important in Elaine's life was being a part of the "Lylas," a group of girlfriends whose treasured friendship has spanned over 50 years. Elaine's love for the finer things in life, was nothing compared to her love and tenacity to be that person who always brought people together. She was always there for anyone that needed her and embraced many like they were family.
Elaine's love of life was never more evident than when she endured her health battles with courage and positivity. "Love lives long after we do."
Since we are currently unable to gather in Elaine's honor, a Memorial Mass and Celebration of Her Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Elaine's memory to the Burlington County Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive-Suite 180, Marlton, NJ 08053
Services
There are no events scheduled.
I just learned of Elaine's passing and am so saddened by it. She had been a friend of my father's before I came to Trenton (she never forgot to ask "how's Dad?") and that relationship served as the kindling for our own friendship. She was unflaggingly kind and thoughtful and upbeat even when I was none of those things. She spoke about her daughter Sadie with such love and pride and in a way that made the listener join in her joy. I will miss her and send my deepest sympathy to her family.
I was so very sad to hear of Elaine’s death. I always remember her as someone who went above and beyond to help people. She always tried to bring people together. She had such grace. Even from the very first time you met her, she made you feel like you were old friends. You never left empty handed from her home....she always gave a parting gift....a small token of friendship. I always had such fondness and respect for her. I will truly miss her.
All my love and hugs to the Mahoney family at this saddest of times. ELaine.and I grew up together since first grade and through high school. We were living separate lives but when we got together.here.and there.over the years it was as if time didn't skip a beat. We shared a lot.over the years and as we all aged, we made sure to see each other more often. A b lessing. Always.on my mind and in my heart. Love you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Elaine when she was in the Office of Governmental Relations at Rowan University. I learned so much from her about advocacy and community relationships. She was a dedicated, patient, and kind colleague with a wealth of expertise and connections. She always brought a positive spirit to her work. I will miss her quiet charm and elegance.
My heartfelt condolences to Elaine's family. I will never forget her friendly and generous spirit. She could never walk into a room where she didn't know someone and always made sure to introduce people and make them feel comfortable. She was a lot of fun and a very kind person. She loved her family so dearly and was so very proud of her daughter. I will miss her very much. May your loving memories sustain you in this difficult time.
There will never be enough tributes to signify the magnitude of the life you lived. I'm lucky enough to have met you when I did. You were selfless and always went out of your way to help. It might have been chance that my first internship in politics was with you in Rowan's Government Affairs office, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Your guidance offered me hope when I needed it most. You were a mentor and a friend. I'll miss you.
To Sadie and family,
My condolences to you. She always enjoyed talking about her family. She loved you all dearly.
To the family of Elaine,
On behalf of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, I would like to extend our condolences to the entire family during this very difficult time. Over the years, Elaine has worked very hard to advance the mission of our medical school through her expertise with Government Relations aimed at improving the quality of life of the patients we serve and at training great doctors of the future. No doubt, her efforts greatly improved the lives of so many and her impact will be felt for many years ahead. She was truly dedicated, compassionate, and often spoke of her love for her family. We are ever grateful for all her contributions. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. With deepest sympathy.
Thomas A. Cavalieri, D.O.
Dean
I will miss Elaine’s smile. She had a quiet but seasoned approach to legislative issues. I will miss her. My deepest condolences to her family.
I am so sad to hear of Elaine’s passing. She always had a smile. She accomplished her goals in a quiet but seasoned way. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
I worked with Elaine over many years in Trenton. She was always a source of comfort and compassion and she always "got the joke," not taking things too seriously. I am so sorry for your family. She was very special and always made me smile.
Elaine was a wonderful woman who was well respected around the State House and New Jersey government. My condolences to her entire family.
Skip Cimino
I worked with Elaine all of the seven years I spent in the Byrne Administration. She was a remarkably talented, devoted colleague and friend for so many of us. I will always remember and be grateful for her friendship and loyalty and I am so sorry not to have been able to remind her of this as she was getting ready to leave us. Please accept my sincere condolences for such an enormous loss. John Degnan
I'm so sorry to hear about Elaine's passing. We met many years ago while working at an ad agency and stayed in touch over the years. She was a true gem - always so kind and sincere. I will never forget her.
Truly a second mom to me, if not the only one I really had growing up. She was my hero and I idealized the way she was caring,giving,loving,accepting. Always always found room in her heart. Incredibly grateful to have her, her husband, and their remarkable daughter growing up. Thank you 💜 rest easy 💜💜💜
So sad to lose such a beautiful & vibrant member of our GCHS Class of 1969. She was a treasured friend of so many & will be sorely missed. Forever in our hearts May she rest in the Arms of the Lord. Our prayers go out to her family.
Kathy and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way.
Mickie Scheifele
Kathy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences.
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