Herreshoff, Jessie Kennedy

The family of Jessie Kennedy Herreshoff are saddened to announce her passing on July 21, 2024, in Kaslo BC at the age of 92.

 Jessie was a smart, funny, witty (and direct), and caring person.   

Jessie was born in Glasgow Scotland on March 27, 1932, to John Kennedy and Elizabeth Mclaughlin Kennedy.  Jessie grew up an only child, in Port Glasgow, Scotland during WWII.  One of the signature events of her life, was experiencing the bombing of Port Glasow shipyards on the river Clyde, where her father had worked.  She was subsequently evacuated to the Scottish Countryside, as were many other school aged children, to live with a family removed from the danger.  Jessie made many lifelong friendships in Scotland.  Although she emigrated to the United States with her first husband, Archie Edwards in 1958, her heart never left Port Glasgow. 

Jessie arrived in New York via Steamer in 1958. She had travelled with her 3-year-old daughter Margaret and was met by her husband Archie who had travelled ahead the year before to obtain a job and prepare for their arrival.  They traveled to Detroit, MI where they built a life together for many years. (Their son, John, was welcomed to the family in 1962).

One of Jessie’s proudest achievements was returning to University in her 40’s and eventually obtaining her PH. D from Wayne State University.  During these years, she once again met many wonderful people, particularly her second husband David Herreshoff and developed numerous lifelong friendships.  One of the highlights of this period of her life was travelling to Romania with David who had obtained a Fullbright fellowship to teach at the University of Cluj in the early 1980’s.  Those years in Romania left a lasting imprint on Jessie.

Upon retirement Jessie and David moved to Kaslo, BC in 1986.  This would prove to be the happiest time in Jessie’s life.  She found a home reminiscent of her beloved Scotland. Majestic Mountains, Kootenay Lake and a welcoming community of thoughtful people on a constant quest for knowledge.  People who care about their community and their friends deeply.

Jessie outlived her beloved husband, David Herreshoff, and her daughter, Margaret Bowles (Robin).  She is survived by her son, John Kennedy Edwards (Kara), as well as her grandchildren Colin Bowles (Abigail), Anne Edwards Bowles (Pierre), Ian Kennedy Edwards (Heather) , Meredith Kuntzman (Matthew) and Isobel Edwards-Rahme (Maurice) and great grandchildren Lucy, Norah, Masie, Adelaide, Calum, Maren, Eleanor, Archie, Sebastien.

As her own health deteriorated, Jessie received amazing long-term care from the wonderful people at the Kaslo Victorian Hospital.  The thoughtfulness and respect that was extended to her could never be duplicated anywhere else but Kaslo.  Her family is forever grateful and extends their heartfelt gratitude to each of them.