Obituary of Delia Kenny

Celebrating the life of Delia Kenny Born into Life on June 12, 1928 Born into Eternal Life on April 13, 2025 With hearts heavy with sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Delia Kenny (née Carbery), who peacefully entered eternal rest on April 13, 2025 at the age of 96. A true child of God, Delia lived a life deeply rooted in family, community, and love. Delia was born in Athy, Co. Kildare, to Thomas and Nora (née Donnelly from Limerick) Carbery. Her only brother, Joseph, died due to a tuberculosis outbreak at the young age of only 20, something the family would never get over. Delia's father Tom was a carpenter by trade, as well as a political activist and Labour Party leader in Athy. In addition, he was a long-standing member of the Athy Urban District Council and the Kildare County Council. He dedicated much of his adult life successfully advocating for the rights of the poor living in the County Home. Delia's own desire to help those less fortunate throughout her life is no surprise. A keen pastime in the Carbery household was breeding and racing greyhounds, and they did so quite successfully. Many photos of the winning dogs could be seen on their walls. Delia married the love of her life, John Kenny (of Roscrea, Co. Tipperary), on September 7, 1955, at the Church of St. Michael in Athy. Their unwavering love, and genuine devotion and support for each other, was evident throughout their entire marriage of almost 70 years. Delia and John treated each other with the utmost respect, and they were true soulmates. Their marriage was unique and something to be admired. Like many others, they made the decision to emigrate to the States, and set sail from Cobh, Co. Cork, in 1959; and so began their beautiful journey together in New York. They stayed for the first few months in NYC with Delia's beloved Uncle Danny and Aunt Joe. Soon, they became the first owners of a co-op apartment at the newly built Berkeley Towers, in Woodside, Queens; this became John and Delia's second home. They took advantage of all the city had to offer, attending Broadway shows and frequenting the Irish dance halls. They had many good laughs over the years with family and friends at various events. John and Delia loved to travel and went on numerous trips across the country, often while attending Electrical Code Conventions. However, their favorite destination by far was Harrah's Resort and Casino in Atlantic City. John was an active member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors for over 50 years, several of which he served as Chairman of the NY Chapter. Delia also had a strong work ethic throughout her life, passed down from her parents no doubt. In the early days in Ireland, she worked as a turf accountant. Upon her arrival in New York, she worked for Texaco, before becoming a valued member of the District 37 MELS Union for 25 years. John and Delia cherished and embraced their Irish-American heritage and community in Woodside; this was clearly reciprocal, based on the many life-long friendships they developed and maintained over the years. Delia would often be seen outside, when the weather permitted, chatting with the ladies of Berkeley Towers and catching up on the local "news." The tight-knit community was like a second family to them, and as they aged, there were many caring neighbors who made it a point to always check in and look out for their general well-being. Maintaining strong bonds with their family in New York, abroad, and especially Ireland, was extremely important to them. Delia was known for her altruistic nature, always bringing presents to her many nieces, nephews , and cousins on their frequent trips back to Ireland. The beautiful dresses she would bring from New York were highly anticipated and especially prized by the girls. Delia was a beautiful human being, both inside and out, and touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. She lived a simple life, and was not concerned with material objects. As a dear friend and neighbor pointed out, those that knew Delia will always remember her gentle, kind, quiet demeanor, and how humbly and spiritually she lived her life. Her quick-wit, generosity, selflessness, and sincere desire to help others was self-evident. She was a wonderful role model to us all. Delia's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a dedicated member of first, St. Michael's in Athy, and then, St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Woodside, NY. She found solace and strength in prayer and scripture, and her belief in God was a guiding light throughout her life. A loving daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, Godmother, and most of all, spouse, Delia leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and unwavering support to her loved ones. She is now reunited in Heaven with her parents, Tom & Nora, her brother, Joe, her grandparents, and countless other beloved family members and friends who passed before her. Delia is survived by her devoted husband John Kenny, in-laws Chrissie Ahearne, Teresa Castle, Peter Kenny, Timmy Kenny, & Gerry Kenny, as well numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, in Ireland, and overseas. A funeral mass celebrating the life of Delia will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 3pm at St. Ciaran's Church, Clonfanlough, Co. Offaly. Burial to follow at Clonmacnoise. For those that cannot attend, the mass will be live-streamed via youtube https://www.youtube.com/live/wknW0atk7zo In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, Delia would have preferred a donation to a charity of your choice, or the Franciscan Missionary Union, an organization she supported and cared deeply about throughout her life: https://give.fmunion.org/page/113138/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=U00ZWDPPRF1&_gl=1*nv02rn*_gcl_au*MTY1ODQ4NTU3NS4xNzQ0NzM1OTU0