Obituary

In Loving Memory

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dolores Jean Kennell, who left us on September 16th, 2025, at the age of 76. Dolores was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose kindness, generosity, compassion, and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her.

Dolores was born on February 1st, 1949, in Berwyn, Illinois to Catherine and Walter Murphy. She continued developing lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community in Berwyn until she moved to Orange, California in 1969.  It was in Orange that she met the love of her life, Jeff Kennell, whom she married in 1974 and celebrated 51 years of marriage on September 7th, 2025. Throughout her life, Dolores was known for her compassion, humor, giving heart, dedication to the Catholic Faith, and her loving support for family and friends.

Dolores started her professional career as a collector at Sears where and continued in Accounts Receivable where she made significant contributions over the years and earned the respect of colleagues and peers, ultimately retiring in 2024 as a Vice President at First American Title. In her free time, Dolores enjoyed gardening, baking, volunteering, and antiquing.  She was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Dolores remained devoted to her Catholic Faith and volunteered as a Catechism Teacher for 30+ years. She continued her Catholic education by attending McGrath Institute of Notre Dame University, where her father always hoped one of his children would attend. She achieved the honor and prestige of Advanced Master Catechist in the Diocese of Orange. Her service and love of her community was unwavering.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents Walter Joeseph and Catherine Mary, sisters Rita, Patricia, Kathleen “Kitty’, Elizabeth, and brother Walter.  She is survived by her devoted and loving husband Mark Jeffrey “Jeff”, daughters Erin Maureen Frisbie and Shannon Colleen, son in law Eben Allen Frisbie, grandchildren Jude Avery Frisbie and Audra Catherine Frisbie, as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

A Rosary service will be held on October 2nd, 2025, at 5:00 PM, at the Chapel of Orange and Funeral will be held on Friday October 3rd, 2025, at St Pius V at 10:00 AM, where friends and family are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Dolores.

Dolores will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy and love will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.