Linda Carol (Graham) Kenney passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 45 years, Edward (Ted) Kenney, III of Schwenksville, their three children, Marissa Cockrell, wife of Chris Cockrell of Mohnton, Pennsylvania, Teddy Kenney of Oahu, Hawaii, and Summer Toms, wife of Brad Toms, of Bremerton, Washington.
Linda is also survived by her sister, Virginia (Ginny) Graham, her brother, Bill Graham (husband of Denise Graham), sister-in-law Dianne Kenney, niece Lindsay (Graham) Gustafson and nephew Bryan Graham. Linda leaves behind four beloved granddaughters, Caitlynn, Caroline, Kelsea and Kinsley Cockrell, three great-nieces and a great-nephew, as well as several cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Miriam Graham and in-laws Edward and Ellen Kenney.
Linda was born in Pottstown on July 16, 1955 and grew up in Exton. Diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at age 11, she never let it define who she was, battling the disease for 58 years. She absolutely loved snow skiing out west and spending her summers waterskiing. Strong-willed, and independent, Linda graduated West Chester University in 1975 and taught special education In Annapolis, Maryland before moving back to Pennsylvania to teach at The Devereux School and Boyertown School Districts. She left teaching in 2014 due to a heart attack in the classroom.
Linda’s life was built around her children. Told she shouldn’t have children due to diabetes, she found a medical team at Bryn Mawr Hospital willing to take her as a patient. Linda supported her three children in everything they did, from soccer, lacrosse and gymnastics to music/band, baseball, boy scouts and golf. Linda’s favorite places were vacationing with her family on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, Wildwood Crest, and Walt Disney World, where she was a DVC member. Linda’s pride and joy was being a Nana to her four granddaughters.
Linda loved sports, often breaking out into the West Chester fight song, or cheering on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Her passion was gardening and decorating her home for all the holidays. Although she suffered from dementia later in life, she still remembered the lyrics to almost every song she listened to, especially John Denver. Linda’s soft spot was animals – she was known to always open her doors to a dog in need.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the American Juvenile Diabetes Association in her name. A private burial ceremony for her family will take place at St John-Hill Church, Boyertown, PA on Monday, April 1st. A larger memorial service celebrating her life for extended family and friends will take place June 8th.
Linda & I grew up in Meadowbrook Manor Exton and attended school together. Always pleasant and easy to get along with. She was fun to joke around with. The entire Graham family are all beautiful people.
R.I.P. Linda!
Linda was a sweet friend, a great Mom and loved her family! I met her when our daughters became teammates, Summer and Colleen were best friends and looked alot alike, so much that Linda and I on the soccer side lines would be cheering on the wrong girl. She’s at peace and out of pain. Condolences to her family!