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Connie Joanne Kennedy

Born

October 1, 1952

Sarnia, Ontario

Died

March 26, 2024

Sarnia, Ontario

Obituary

Kennedy, Connie (n. van Goozen)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Connie Joanne Kennedy. Beloved Mother, Oma, Daughter, Sister and very dear friend. She was the owner of van Goozen Music in Sarnia for over 40 years. Connie will be remembered as a wonderful musician, teacher and advocate of local music. She will be immensely missed. Family and friends will be received at the McCormack Funeral Home, 254 George Street, (at college Avenue) on Thursday April 4 from 5-8 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at McCormack Funeral Home on Friday April 5 at 1 pm. Remembrances and condolence may be expressed to the family online in “Connie's Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks to consider donating to Lambton County Music Festival. A charity near to her heart.

Connie’s Musical Legacy

Connie’s life was a symphony of passion, woven with threads of music and family. From an early age, her love affair with music blossomed into a lifelong journey. As a skilled musician, she nurtured countless students within her home teaching studio and later at van Goozen Music, which she founded in 1993. Her dedication transformed it into the city’s enduring musical institution, touching the lives of thousands. Beyond the studio walls, Connie wore many musical hats: Music Teacher, Royal Conservatory Representative, Bluewater Music Festival Organizer, and Lambton County Music Festival Board Member. Her contributions resonated far beyond notes and scales, earning her admiration and respect. But Connie’s impact extended even further. She was a beacon of hope in her community, offering a helping hand wherever needed. Her understanding of music became a lifeline for university students grappling with theory—a testament to her generosity and compassion. Connie’s legacy is one of harmony and melody, echoing through generations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lambton County Music Festival in her memory. Let us honor her by playing a song, knowing her spirit dances within the notes she cherished.
May Connie’s memory continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her. 🎶🌹

Visitation & Services

McCormack Funeral Home

5 - 8 pm.

1 pm.

Thursday April 4

Visitation

Funeral Service

Friday April 5

McCormack Funeral Home

Disposition

Moore Union Cemetery

Donations

Cheques only please,
will be received at the funeral home

Burial

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Family Memories

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Condolences

To all the Van Goozen family,,,it was a great shock to hear of cousin Connie's passing. My condolences to all of you and your families. Connie and I had just recently gotten reconnected and enjoyed some nice conversations with each other. I will deeply miss that. Prayers for the family
angie niemeyer (lyn)

Sorry VanGoozen family for your loss. Judy and I are praying for all of you. Connie will be greatly missed
Larry and Judy Tanner

To Aunt Shirley and family we are sorry for the loss of Connie our hearts go out to you and the family on this day. May time help ease the sorrow and bring beautiful memories of the musical talanted teacher who has touched so many lives. Love always from the Roberts the son from another mother Stephen, Barb, and family.
Stephen, Barb and family

Sincere Condolences on the passing of Connie Kennedy. Her love of music inspired so many.
Joe and Maureen Donohue

Dear Connie, we are so sorry to hear of your passing. It was just this past summer that we sat down and had a great conversation, and I found out what a great cousin you were and your many accomplishments. We will miss you dearly. To my aunt Shirley and all of my cousins, please accept our deepest condolences. Paul and Joy Roberts
Paul and Joy Roberts

My deepest sympathy and my deepest condolences to you and the whole family at this time. thank you for being a part of our life and giving us the chance to know your love and passion for music I wouldn’t of wanted to learn music from anybody else you were not only a good family friend. You were so much more. We love you and you will continue to live on and all our heart.
Jennifer Hamelin

Dear Sara and family. I was devastated to hear of Connie's passing. She was a kind, patient and deeply caring teacher to me. She cared so much for her family, friends, students and her community. She will be missed!!! Joy Loucks
Joy Loucks

Dearest Sara, and your entire family, My heart is broken for you, as you grieve the loss of your beloved mother. Connie was the most incredible woman, and she left a legacy that will live on always. She was the best boss, and I loved working for her at the sister studio on Murphy Road. Her passion for teaching will go unmatched, and every person she taught is better off for having experienced her vocation and love of music and music education. I can still see her smile and hear her voice saying hello, as she walked in the front door and turned the corner into our lobby. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the vanGoozen musical family. Corrie and I send our most heartfelt and sincere condolences at this sad time. You are all in our thoughts and continued prayers for strength and peace. God welcomed a beautiful new angel, whose equally beautiful music will sound out throughout the heavens and bring joy to everyone there. I hung a very treasured piece in our studio on Murphy Road for many years that read as follows "If music be the food of love, play on" - William Shakespeare Rest in heavenly peace, Connie...and play on. With our love and deepest sympathy, Paula and Corrie
Paula Rocco

So sorry to hear of Connie's passing. My condolences to you and your family
Doris Walker

I was so sad to hear of Connie's passing. I can't imagine a Sarnia that doesn't have her in it. Van Goozen Music was where I studied and, later, where I taught. Connie also gave me my co-op position during my business admin diploma. I don't know if she was already planning to open the second location, but she asked me to do an analysis and see if it was a good move. She trusted my advice and I think I saw that second location still flourishing last time I was in town. Connie lived music. She taught me harmony, encouraged my learning any instrument I wanted (sending me home with a loaner cello!) and gave her time for any of her teachers. She invested in us. The studio on Mitton never felt like a business. It felt like a home and was always bustling with family and visitors. I send my most heartfelt condolences to Connie's family. Sara, Jason, Jen, Tim, Danny, Mike: your mum meant the world to so many. Sending you all big hugs.
Meghan Beauchamp

My sincere condolences for the family of Connie. Connie was a wonderful lady that always had a smile to greet you with. I can remember when I worked at Harry's and it was always a pleasure to see Connie. Jen would come in often for take out,and I babysat for Sarah when the boys were very young. Your family has always been very dear to me. Many hugs to you all. Good bless.
Maureen Scouler

Dearest Jason, Sara, Jennifer, Michael, Daniel, and Timothy. Also Mom Shirley, grand babies, extended family, and friends. Words cannot express my feelings of sorrow at the death of your loving mother.💔Connie had a magical quality. No matter how gloomy a day, or difficult a piece of music. When Connie entered the room with her cheerful voice, precious smile, and slight fairytale wave. It was as if golden magic dust powdered the room. The gloomy day became brighter and the piece of music became easier to learn. Connie was a gifted musician and a treasured friend with a heart of gold. Enjoy playing with the Angels, dear Connie! ♡♡♡♡♡♡🎶❤️💕😇Big hugs !! Rose Anne Hart💖(nee Chynces, and Eidt)
Rose Anne Hart (Eidt)

Dear Sara and Family, Marianne and I were so saddened to hear of Connie's passing and we want you to know that we are keeping you in our prayers to be comforted by your many wonderful memories of Connie. We enjoyed our years with Connie on the Lambton County Music Festival Board. She was always so generous of her time, expertise and musical resources. Our entire musical community is in a better place because of Connie's dedication and kindness.
David and Marianne Nichols

Dear Shirley Please accept our sympathy ins the death of Connie. Although death strikes all of us sooner or later, it is never easy. Thinking of you and your family a this sad time.
Keith & Jean Gray

Our deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. Connie was a wonderful fiddle teacher and very patient with this older student. Her passion was contagious.
Rachel Towriss

Dear Jason, Sara, Jennifer, Michael, Danny and Timmy, my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. Connie was a huge influence on my life in my formative years and the main reason I had the confidence and self-belief to pursue my own direction in music and music education. She touched my life in the deepest ways imaginable, at a time when I was most vulnerable. As I'm sure she has done for countless others over the years as her musical gifts were rich and her ability to touch the lives of others in such positive ways were profund. My thoughts are with all of you and with her during this time of goodbyes and remembrance. RIP Connie.
Catherine Mitro

Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your mother. I know she was well loved and will be deeply missed by so many.
Jane Levesque

Thoughts and prayers are with Connie's Family. I knew Connie in our 20s...and such a happy soul. Her passion for music, teaching, creativity is certainly a God given talent. Connie, taught my Son piano and he ended up teaching for Connie. Connie inspired his music ability and went on to further education. Connie's is a fantastic Mother, Friend and Business Woman who was instrumental with years of contributing to Sarnia Lambton. Truly a remarkable woman.
Linda Maughan (Buchser)

Sara and family… my love and condolences.. growing up with you guys and mom.. was a blessing… she was always a ball of fun to be around and so loving… I will miss her laugh and jokes… hugs you guys… if you need anything just let me know…
Ruth Kameka

I am deeply saddened to hear of cousin Connie's passing. I have many fond memories of visiting Connie and her family, many years ago before I moved to Victoria BC. I have frequently yearned to see my many family members, but distance and my reluctance to fly have prevented me. I extend my love and condolences to Aunt Shirley, cousins Larry, Wanda, Phyllis, Warren and all their families. Paul
Paul van Goozen

we are in shock getting the message about Connie.. she will be missed by everyone up tihis way (Fergus area.. Hugs to Shirley and all your family.
Carl and Marjorie Gray

Dear Sara and loved ones .. My heartfelt prayers and condolences at this sad time .. Hoping you comfort and support.. Connie is and was not only the best teacher ever, but a nurturer of people and dreams.. And she loved me thru many a storm !! .. We also shared joyous occasions ..and she dearly loved her family .. Hold on to one another ..love Joanne Wighton
Joanne Wighton

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Connie. She will be greatly missed by many in the community. I first met Connie when I was thirteen years old and had recently moved to Sarnia from the Leamington area. Connie was first my accordion teacher, then a kind and generous family friend, then my mentor and accompanist when I took up the flute in high school, my piano teacher when I returned to RCM studies in my 40's, and eventually my employer when I began teaching at her music studio. She had a significant positive influence on my life over the decades, and will remain forever in my heart. May our Lord keep Connie in his loving embrace.
Carole Mitro

I'm sorry for your great loss. Please know that she, and the whole VanGoozen school gave me shelter, education and growth, and I am forever grateful. My talks with Connie at the front desk will be cherished memories for the rest of my life.
Brody Fitzpatrick

Connie was an integral part of my musical development and my first boss. It was always lovely to stop by Van Goozen Music when I was visiting Sarnia. Connie will be missed and the family will be in my thoughts and heart.
Gabrielle Kern

Dear Sara and your entire my family, my sincere condolences to you. I pray for peace and comfort for you all at this difficult time.
Sue Kirby

Dear sister, we miss you greatly. Nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; my sympathies. Larry
Larry van Goozen

Dearest Connie - I'm sorry that I will not be there to celebrate you and your life. But I will be there in spirit! Love to Aunt Shirley, Wanda l, Warren, Phyllis and Larry as well as Connie's kids and grandkids. May your journey to the Divine be blessed!❤️
Dale van Goozen

My sincere condolences to the family and staff of Vangoozen Music. I had the priviledge of having cello lessons in the past few years and will always appreciate Connie's joyful attitude during the lessons. She always prodded me on to greater things and she will be missed in the community at large. She was a joy to know.
Joanne Jamieson


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