“The young woman in this photo is my Aunt Lena, Kathleen Kennedy. She is accompanied by her cousin and dear friend, Frank McCarthy. The photo was taken in October1949. I like this photo as it shows not only Lena and Frank in
great style, but the other ladies in the background dressed
in beautiful full-length coats and high-heeled shoes. Frank’s smart suit, with pocket handkerchief, shirt and tie, and Lena’s outfit make them a stylish pair!
‘Lena was born in 1930 and was reared in Arbour Hill married quarters with her parents, William and Kathleen, her sister, Joan, and her brother, John. She often recalled that Arbour Hill was a great place to grow up, with great neighbours. As well as being a machinist, Lena was an accomplished Irish dancer and took part in many competitions in the ballrooms of Dublin hotels. She met her future husband at a dance in Dublin in 1948.
‘Soon after the photo was taken my aunt left for Canada
on board the Aquitania, departing from Southampton on
25 October 1949, aged nineteen. On the passenger list, her occupation is listed as ‘machinist’. She settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia, married a naval officer and they raised three children together. Lena made several trips home to Ireland but her heart remained in Canada.
‘One can only wonder if Lena told Frank that day of her plans to go to Canada.”
(1949)
Submitted by Catherine Maguire