Janice Leona Kennedy, 73, of Atlantis, Fla., passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Mary Washington Hospital after a year long battle with lung cancer.

Ms. Kennedy often said that she had a great life, starting with growing up in the family business, Ole's Dude Ranch, in Marlton, N.J. She and her sisters worked hard but had the unique opportunity to meet and mingle daily with movie stars and other celebrities, while still enjoying the simple pleasures of horseback riding, swimming and rural life. In this environment, Ms. Kennedy was also able to master her horseback trick-riding skills as a child and teen.

Her enthusiasm for adventure grew while working in the travel industry. Ms. Kennedy and her husband loved to cruise, which she continued doing with friends until recent years. Her biggest joy, however, came from entertaining and caring for family, neighbors and her dog, Sophie.

A lifelong roller-skater, Ms. Kennedy competed in amateur competitions, but she also began running later in life and continued that hobby until recent years.

Feeding her appreciation for all things beautiful, Ms. Kennedy was also employed in both jewelry and antiques sales at various times and spent much energy keeping her home in the Victorian style.

Ms. Kennedy was predeceased by her parents, Ole Lovald and Virginia Priscilla Larsen; her husband of nearly 50 years, Donald F. Kennedy Sr.; and a sister, Jeannette Myra Werner.

Survivors include her son, Donald F. Kennedy Jr., and wife, Deneal, of Fredericksburg; sisters Joan Dorothy Notti of Anchorage, Alaska, and Joyce "Bonnie" Virginia Covaleskie of Boynton Beach, Fla.; granddaughters Ryan Turner Kennedy, Lindsey Larsen Kennedy and Lauren Ashley Kennedy of Fredericksburg; great-grandson Eddie Alexander Sanchez-Kennedy of Fredericksburg; and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends across the country.

Services will be private.

Expressions of celebration may be made as donations in her name to the American Lung Association, 9221 Forrest Hill Ave., Richmond, Va. 23235.

Online guest book at covenantfuneralservice.com.