Vicki Kennedy

VICKI KENNEDY (formerly Koeblitz), loving mother of Erin (Noah) Ginsburg, Katie (Brent Gaisford), Billy (Alex Soriano) and Annie Koeblitz, adored Gigi of Owen and Zoe Ginsburg, beloved partner to Ronald H. Krasney. Vicki was born on November 11th, 1954, to Marilyn (nee Sidano) and the late James R. Kennedy, beloved sister to Shawn (Kathy) and Daren Kennedy and Julie (Michael) Austin, cherished cousin, aunt and life-long friend to many.

Mother of four. Community leader. Hotel lobby and cake enthusiast. Vicki was a proud Clevelander and was deeply rooted in the city’s east suburbs. Much like her father before her, Vicki never met a stranger. When out and about with Vicki, one could expect to bump into a handful of her friends and hunker in for an extra hour of conversation. She exuded a passion with everyone she met, creating a gravitational pull of her own.

As a mother, Vicki was a fierce advocate and supporter of her four children. She guided them to success as they defined it for themselves. Her sharp wit and generosity made her an irresistible friend to many. For friends and loved ones, Vicki’s home was a warm escape; a sanctuary in which to laugh, cry, or just shoot the breeze.

Vicki supported everyone she encountered with her signature blend of graciousness, enthusiasm, and respect. She had a ferocious curiosity for getting to know strangers, and a gift for keeping up with old friends. Vicki met Ronald Krasney in 2010, and their loving partnership charmed family and friends through her final days.

Professionally, Vicki brought color into the world with her eye for finding and styling beautiful things. As a young woman, Vicki and her mother purchased Palermo Florist in South Euclid, and the business thrived under her direction. After selling the shop, she dedicated her time to her growing family. Vicki had an innate intellectual curiosity. She consumed the news voraciously, learned and discussed history, sparked curiosity in her children, and supported the school they attended.

Vicki became an active member of the Hawken School community for many years, functioning in committee leadership positions and serving on the Board of Trustees. She spent the last 20 years of her life in fashion, combining her love of people and effortless style to dress clients and friends. Since 2013, Vicki worked at the Cindy Halle boutique in Gates Mills, the town where she lived for 30 years. On their buying trips to New York City, Vicki flourished professionally and personally.

Vicki lived with a spirit and a zest for life that is challenging to put onto paper. She was a force of positivity that was felt by many, and that force will continue to ripple through the community as her personal legacy. Vicki leaves behind those who loved her heartbroken, but full of gratitude to have had the good fortune to fall into her orbit.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Vicki to Hawken School, P.O. Box 8002 Gates Mills, OH 44040. Celebration of Life Memorial followed by a reception to be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH, 44106. Private burial at Gates Mills North Cemetery.

*Cleveland Botanical Garden requires unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask indoors. Parking is available at the Botanical Gardens garage, as well as street parking and neighboring garages.

Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID. On-line obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com.