ALISON RUTH KENNEDY

On Saturday, March 7th, Alison Ruth Kennedy (née Millman) passed away in the Cardiac ICU of the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 77 with family by her side. 

She is survived by her two daughters Susan Kennedy (Nancy Rodrigue) of Montreal, and Christine Kennedy (Mike Sharpe) of Winnipeg; brother Hartley Millman (Elyse Piquette) of Ottawa; sister-in-law Linda Chernenkoff of Winnipeg; step-brother Don Newman (Shannon Day) of Ottawa; and her two grandchildren Hazel and Rose Kennedy-Sharpe of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her husband George Kennedy; brother Bob (Robert) Millman, sister-in-law Claudia Millman, and step-brother Roger Newman.

Alison was born in Winnipeg to parents Hartley Turville (Ted) Millman and Roberta Millman (née Vance). Roberta tragically passed away from cancer in her forties leaving the young family all too soon. Ted met and married Doris Millman (née Arnett) who became a wonderful stepmother to Alison. They remained very close throughout their lives. Thanks to Alison’s dedication and daily calls, Doris lived independently in her own home until the age of 95.

Alison’s early years were spent growing up in River Heights where she attended Kelvin High School and participated in Job’s Daughters, a leadership organization for young women. Alison was passionate about science from a young age but at the time didn’t see any other women in the sciences at university so instead she pursued a Bachelor of Education at the University of Manitoba. Alison taught for a short time but then married and devoted her life to raising her family and volunteering for many organizations that were close to her heart. Westminster United Church played a pivotal role in young Alison’s life, there she met her husband George Kennedy, of West Kirby, England, and her dear ‘Unit’ friends, with whom she met monthly for over 50 years. 

While raising her two daughters, Alison went back to the University of Manitoba as a mature student to finally pursue her passion for science and obtained her M.Sc. degree in Foods and Human Nutritional Sciences, where later she would become a sessional instructor. Her thesis focused on the potential role of thiamine deficiency in the development and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. This became a lifelong passion. Alison devoted many years to promoting her ideas and countless hours scouring journals for new ideas that could possibly prevent or cure Alzheimer's. 

In 2011, while others around her considered retirement, Alison started her own company, Kennedy Cognitive Services, which offered one-on-one cognitive stimulation for those suffering from dementia. In 2016, Alison won the Senior Entrepreneur Award from Startup Canada for her work. Alison delighted in bringing a smile to her clients’ faces and improving their quality of life in their final days. Alison continued to offer these services right up until she was admitted to hospital herself.  

Alison loved to paint, took time to cherish nature, and found joy in the small moments - whether watching sunsets at Sandy Bay, Victoria Beach, with her cottage neighbours, family, and friends; walking along the beach or in the forest; or  taking pictures of the rocks, leaves, lake and sky as well as family. 

We would like to thank the teams at the Victoria Hospital and the St. Boniface Hospital for their exceptional care.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, the Forum Art Centre, or FortWhyteAlive.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Universalist Unitarian Church).

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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