Kennett, Colette

Colette Ann Kennett, 63, of New Baden, died Thursday, November 13, 2014 at her home. She was born May 2, 1951 in Breese, daughter of Franklin J. “Booby” and Virginia M. (Micheel) Kennett. Colette is survived by her mother, Virginia M. Kennett of New Baden; a brother, Patrick (Marsha) Kennett of Albers; two sisters, Juliana (Jack) Wier of Wildwood, MO, and Bonnie (Rollie) Brave of O’Fallon; nephews and nieces; Jack (Trina) Wier and their children, Jack Dean and Lincoln; Joe (Sherry) Wier and their children, Alex, Ashley, Amy, and Andrew; Katey(Ron) Riesing and their children, Brianna and Elizabeth; Dominic (Amber Rotchilge) Wier; Jennifer (Bobak) Rafati and their daughter, Gabriella; Alicia (Randy) Cook; Mariah Kennett, and Natalie Kennett; and her nephew, niece and Godchildren, Ben Wier and Sophia Kennett. She was preceded in death by her father; and a niece, Coreen Wier. Colette had a long and rewarding career with the Diocese of Belleville where she started on Oct. 1, 1979, as the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocesan Catholic Youth Organization. She served in this role for over 30 years, helping to instill faith in the youth she worked with, as well as mentoring the young people of this diocese in so many ways. Although Colette never had any children of her own, she always referred to the diocesan youth she worked with on a daily basis as “her kids.” She traveled the world with these young people in places such as Guatemala, Australia, Germany, as well as numerous cities throughout the United States. She not only led and represented them on their pilgrimages, through her outstanding leadership skills, but took them under her wing as if they were her own children. As “her kids” moved on and became adults, Colette never forgot them and stayed connected with their lives always, be that a call, a visit, or a greeting card, to let them know that she still cared for them and was truly interested in their well-being. Her role as Youth Minister also gave her the opportunity to visit Haiti and Guatemala to help to serve and spread faith to the adults and children there. These journeys touched her deeply as she told us upon returning home that those that have so little, have such great faith! It was evident these encounters deepened her own faith life. Colette was loved greatly amongst her immediate family, by all of the nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. They all knew her as “Aunt Letty,” and the one who brought gifts to them and always remembered their birthdays or shared in the special occasions of their lives. She was also known to be able to make the kids laugh and organize games to command the group’s attention when at a family gathering. All of Colette’s family shared in listening to tales of her travels and the beautiful photos she brought back from faraway places, as she had a keen eye for capturing the beauty of the most ornate structure to the simplest flower petal behind the lens of her camera. Colette, you had a life fully lived, yet gone too quickly, and for this your extended family is truly heartbroken, yet blessed. Sister, may you sing “Alleluia” with the angels in heaven and have everlasting peace in the arms of our God! Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2014 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2014 and from 8 a.m. until time of service Monday, November 17, 2014 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden. Memorials may be made to the Clinton Manor Activity Fund and will be received at the church or Hempen-Nordike Funeral Home, 15 E. Hanover, New Baden, IL 62265.