Eileen Kennedy

Eileen Kennedy, of North Pekin, Illinois, passed away at Liberty Village of Pekin on June 2, 2026, at the age of 93.

Eileen was born on March 18, 1933, in Blaenavon, South Wales, to Jeffrey and Mary Jones. She grew up in London, England, and shared many vivid stories of her childhood during World War II. Those experiences helped shape the resilient, determined woman she became.

She came to the United States in 1951 to visit an aunt in Green Valley, Illinois and fell in love with and married Mel Rademacker. She became an American citizen in 1958.

She leaves a family that she was exceedingly proud of - her children, Janan (Paul) Weinstein of Crystal Lake, Illinois; Jeff (Alvina) Rademacker of Mt. Sterling, IL, Mari (David) Osborne of North Pekin, IL and Christine (Terrell) Strauss of Durango, CO. She was Nana to Gabe (Scarlett) Rademacker, Pekin IL, Eric (Gina Antonini) Crawford, North Pekin, IL. Caitlin (Tony) Knute, Lenexa, KS, Terra (Jim) Brown, Peoria, IL, Sarah (Marty) McGowan, Huntley, IL, Kaci (Jason) Geier, Edelstein, IL, Brittney Gianessi, Pekin, IL, Zach (Anna) Blackstun, Woodbury, MN, Sawyer Blackstun, Durango, CO. She was happiest when surrounded by family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Eileen's professional life reflected her intelligence, dedication, and commitment to serving others. She worked as a Crime Analyst for the Tri-County Intelligence Agency, where she met and married Bernard J. Kennedy, who she called “the love of her life”. He proceeds her in death.

She later served as Director of the Methodist Medical Center Foundation, where she helped raise funds and awareness to support healthcare services and improve the lives of countless individuals and families in the community.

Eileen lived in Missoula, Montana, for 25 years and fell in love with the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. She was up for anything: hiking the trails in Montana and Colorado, white water river rafting with Chris and Family. She moved back to the Pekin area in 2016 to spend time with her growing family.

Eileen was a talented writer, leaving behind stories, poems, reflections, and handwritten thoughts that captured her experiences, wisdom, and imagination. She was an artist, creating beautiful seascapes from memories of the many trips that she spent at Anna Marie Island with Janan and family. She was a seamstress who enjoyed creating and mending with care and precision. An excellent cook, she delighted in preparing meals for family and friends and could effortlessly recall recipes from years gone by. She also enjoyed the peace and thrill of catching a largemouth bass at Jeff/Vina’s pond near Mt. Sterling.

Music was woven throughout her life. Her extensive record collection included favorites such as Barbara Streisand, Nat King Cole, Doris Day, and Louis Armstrong and her collection grew over the years to include Country artists. Family road trips were filled with music and singing. For a time, she even worked as a radio DJ, known on the air as "Taffy."

Even in her final years, Eileen remained curious, engaged, and eager to learn. A lifelong seeker, Eileen loved expanding her mind and exploring new ideas. She referred to "YouTube University" as her favorite research tool.

She loved unconditionally and was always ready with a helping hand, a sympathetic ear, or a shoulder to cry on. Her advice was simple but powerful: "Stand tall and walk proud." Even while facing health challenges in her later years, her positive attitude never wavered. She met every obstacle with the same grace, courage, and determination that defined her life.

Eileen will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, generosity, humor, compassion, integrity, and strength. She led by example and taught those around her that doing the right thing matters.

In keeping with Eileen's wishes, cremation will take place, and her family will gather to celebrate her remarkable life later this summer. Eileen's arrangements have been entrusted to Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory.

Those wishing to honor Eileen's life may make a donation to a charity of their choice or to WTVP/PBS in Peoria, Illinois.