WASHINGTON, Mass. — Carol Irene Ritsert Kennedy age 75 of Washington died suddenly at home Nov. 5, 2020.

Carol was born Dec. 1, 1944, in Manhattan, N.Y. to Caroline and George Ritsert. She met her husband of 57 years, Franklin Kennedy, at an orphanage in Yonkers, N.Y. They settled in Becket and Washington, far from city life, becoming self-sufficient homesteaders.

Carol was involved in community activities upon arrival, ranging from working at the Becket Food Coop in the 70s to fostering orphaned children, to working fundraising events at Town Hall and the Becket church. A proud Democrat and believer in democracy, she worked the polls every year until her death. Her interests included Impressionist painting, knitting, birdwatching, and complaining about the weather. She was an amateur genealogist, doing much to fill in the gaps of the Ritsert, Rawlins, and Kennedy family trees.

Carol is survived by her spouse, Franklin Kennedy Sr., her children, Franklin Kennedy Jr., Margaret Kennedy Rorrio and John Rorrio, and Denise Del Ray Pillion and Matt Pillion.

Funeral Notice: Funeral services will be private with a memorial celebration of life to be announced at later date.