Elizabeth “Betty” Kenny, 81, of New Port Richey, FL, passed away on January 11, 2026. Betty was born on September 3, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY. In 1953 she moved to Woodhaven, Queens with her parents, Elizabeth and Joseph Brohel, older brother Joseph and younger sister Mary Anne. Betty graduated from All Saints Commercial High School in Brooklyn in 1962, subsequently working for Metropolitan Life in Manhattan doing data entry.
While living in Woodhaven, Betty met the love of her life, Jim Kenny. Betty and Jim were married for 62 years and raised two sons and one daughter. Betty was very active in St. Thomas the Apostle Recreation Association, coordinating the Catholic Youth Organization basketball and softball programs. On any given day you could find Betty at the parish gym, volunteering and cheering for her children and the neghborhood kids. She also supported Jim with his duties as Grand Knight of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. From 1980 to 1991 Betty worked in the X-ray department in the emergency room at St. John’s Hospital in Queens, NY.
In 1991 Betty and Jim retired to New Port Richey, Florida, where some of their family members already resided. Soon after moving into their new home, Betty became involved in the Cypress Lakes Homeowners Association. She served as the head of the security patrol for more than five years, as well as a director on the HOA board. Betty also volunteered at Plato Academy, where two of her great granddaughters attend school. Once again she found herself back in the gym, this time supporting her great grandchildren in their various activities.
Betty was creative and enjoyed painting, crocheting, and making jewelry. She was also handy and liked to tinker around the house and yard. She hosted many family gatherings and made a great pot roast. Betty was an avid animal lover and had many pets throughout her life. Her Yorkies brought her great joy
Betty is predeceased by her mother Elizabeth Brohel Ford, father Joseph Brohel, stepfather Edward Ford, brother Joseph Brohel and stepsister Regina Ford.
Betty is survived by her husband Jim Kenny, children Jim (Donna) Kenny, Joseph (Lisa) Kenny, and Teresa (Dan) Pierson; sister Mary Anne Burke; stepsister Eileen Ford; grandchildren, Jimmy (Samantha) Kenny, Caitlin (Mark) Wempe, Chris (Katie) Pierson, Sarah Kenny, Jamie Kenny and Sean Kenny; seven great grandchildren, Rilee and Paislee Pierson, Jason and Ellie Wempe, Jane, Jimmy and Juliet Kenny.
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Seven Springs Chapel
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
lisa Destefano
January 18, 2026, 12:18 am
Rest well, Betty. May her memory be a blessing.