Elizabeth M. Kenny

Elizabeth Mary (Alsfeld) Kenny, “Betty”, 92, of Warwick, RI passed away early on March 18 after a brief illness. She was the widow of her beloved, Bernard (Barney) Kenny, for 52 years before his death in 2007. Betty built her life around her family, prioritizing and celebrating events big and small with each family member. She was the loving daughter of the late George and Peggy Alsfeld of Warwick.

Four of her daughters survive her, Maureen Kowal (Steve), Karen Kenny, Kristen Kenny, and Beth Natko (Shawn). She was predeceased just weeks ago by her middle daughter, Susan Bouressa. Each daughter was honored to call her Mom. Always surrounded by children, Betty leaves 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren behind. Ryan (Libby) and Andy Kowal (Kevin); David, Samantha, and Ian Bouressa; Emma Kenny-Pessia; Catherine, Billy, and Lucy Natko; Abby Kowal; and Olivia and Michael Giarrusso. She knew what brought each child joy and she made sure to tailor each gift, meal, and activity to match them individually.

Betty was a 1955 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, one of only 11 graduates in URI’s 5th nursing program. There she formed some of her deepest and most cherished friendships. Her career as a Registered Nurse was spent in the nursery at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence. Upon her retirement many younger nurses spoke admiringly of her natural instincts assessing the newborns. A longtime communicant at Our Lady of Mercy in E. Greenwich, RI, Betty faithfully served the parish and school in many ways over the years. When her children were in school, she participated in bingo nights, shows, and carnivals. Later in life she volunteered regularly with the Outreach program. At 88 years old she was setting tables and serving meals at the annual St. Patrick’s Day event and was sorting cans and boxes at the food bank. As recently as a year ago she was serving at the free lunch program at St. Luke’s Lunch on the Hill.

Betty also volunteered regularly at the St. Elizabeth Home in E. Greenwich, serving up coffee and snacks in the lobby. She enjoyed meeting the residents and talking about the long lives they’d lived. The pandemic forced her to stop that activity in 2020.

Some know Betty from her years camping in Ocean Park, Maine. After many years taking their family on camping trips throughout New England, Barney and Betty settled in as seasonal campers near the shore in Maine. They built a community of close friends there and generously shared their love of the area with friends and family each summer.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 22nd at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, East Greenwich. Calling hours: Friday, March 21st from 5-7 pm at the Fagan – Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown under the direction of the Hill – Skeffington Funeral Home of East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund.