Patricia Ellen Lavine Kennedy
March 13, 1942 – June 28, 2025

Those who knew her remember Patricia Kennedy as elegant, strong, and gracious.  She was a force of nature, a woman who left her mark not through volume but through presence, precision, and purpose. She was thoughtful and intentional, someone who did not just walk into a room but changed the tone of it. Patricia Ellen Lavine Kennedy lived a life of deep purpose, anchored in faith, filled with friendship, and marked by an unmistakable presence. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 13, 1942, she was raised in the close-knit town of Oil City where her childhood was, in her words, nearly perfect. It was a time of innocence and warmth, where the families were connected, the friendships were lifelong, and her sister Donna, born five years later, became her constant companion along with all of the other children who would remain their friends their entire lives.

After graduating from North Caddo High School in 1960, Patricia went on to attend Northwestern State University, where she completed her bachelor's degree in three years and her master's degree in one, a testament to her focus and capability. She married and spent time living in Germany before returning home and beginning her long and impactful career as a speech-language therapist.

Patricia began a remarkable 40+-year career as a speech-language therapist with the Caddo Parish School Board. She served students at Vivian Elementary, North Caddo, and Herndon Magnet School. In Vivian, everyone knew "Miss Kennedy". Wherever she went, former students and parents stopped her to share their stories. She remembered every name, asked about every family, and gave people her full attention. Her work changed lives, not only because of her skill but because of her genuine investment in each person she encountered.

She also lived a full life beyond work. Patricia was a loyal and lifelong friend. Her friendships were enduring and intentional. Whether it was her "bridge ladies", her PEO chapter, her Herndon lunch group, former Speech Pathologists meeting up for a 2-hour lunch, or her "Steel Magnolias", Patricia exemplified friendship. Patricia showed up, remembered birthdays, hosted showers, and her phone never stopped ringing. Her calendar was always full because she valued people and built lasting, meaningful relationships.

Patricia's faith shaped every part of her life. For more than 50 years, she was a devoted member of Vivian Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, organized Vacation Bible School, served as a lay leader, and gave her time on countless committees.  She prayed for people by name, gave of herself without hesitation, and showed up for her church community with consistency and care. Her favorite verse was James 4:8: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." It was more than a scripture.  It was how she lived.

She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Helen Wise of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Susan Summers and her husband, Scott, of Spearsville, Louisiana. She was the proud grandmother of Mary Margaret Elizabeth (Maggie) Wise and Garrett Summers of Shreveport, Noah Summers of New Orleans, Marshall and Becky Summers of Shreveport, and twins Joey and Levi. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, DJ (Doyle) Wise Jr., and her grandson, Andrew Summers.

Her beloved sister, Donna Rougeau of Lafayette, also survives her, along with Donna's children and grandchildren, whom Patricia loved dearly: David Rougeau and his wife Heidi and their family of McKinney, Texas, Sara Rougeau of Lafayette, and Lillian Rougeau of Atlanta. She is also remembered fondly by many cousins and extended family members who were important to her throughout her life.

To children, she was "Miss Kennedy," the teacher who gave them their voice. To friends, she was a steady anchor. To her family, she was the center of it all.  She was beloved, and she will be missed fiercely, not because of how loudly she lived, but because of how deeply she loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 a.m. A luncheon will be held at the Vivian Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m., with a graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Vivian Cemetery.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to the caregivers at North Caddo Memorial Hospital, Shreveport Rehabilitation Hospital, Montclair Park, and St. Joseph Hospice, and a special thank you to Dr. Catherine Sharpe and Dr. Anil Veluvolu for their exceptional care and compassion.

Lastly, there were two things Patricia loved deeply: public education and public radio. In lieu of flowers, school supplies will be collected for donation at her service, or consider supporting local public radio.