Diane Kennedy

Diane L. Kennedy, 71, of Broad Street, Salamanca, NY died Friday evening, May 29, 2020 following a courageous battle with COVID-19.

Born December 17, 1948 in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Norma Kennedy and John Griffin.

She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Heron Clan.

Diane earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Marymount University in Arlington, VA.

She was employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, DC for almost 30 years, retiring in 2005. Upon her return to Western NY, she became involved with the Seneca Nation government, where she served as the Clerk from 2010 – 2012.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking. She loved the outdoors and spending time in her garden.

Surviving are: a son, Marc (Keiko) Papaj, Orchard Park, NY; two granddaughters, Ayana Papaj, Rayna Papaj; a grandson, Alec Papaj, all of Orchard Park, NY; a sister, Cindy (Brian) Mohr, Jimersontown, NY; a brother, Ralph (Teri) Kennedy, Steamburg, NY; an aunt, Lillian Taylor; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Thursday and Friday, June 4th and 5th from 4 – 7 p.m.

Procession will begin at 10:30am Saturday at the funeral home with the public invited to a funeral at Hillside Haven Cemetery, Steamburg, NY at 11am.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.