In Memoriam: Heather Ann Whitney, 1960-2023
Worked for many years at her family’s agency, J.M. Whitney Insurance and Real Estate
Heather Ann Whitney was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on October 21st, 2023, at the age of 62. Heather was born to Malcolm and Edith Whitney on November 11, 1960, and was born and raised in Watertown. She attended Buckingham Browne and Nichols, Class of 1978. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Class of 1982, Heather began her career in insurance at J.M. Whitney Insurance and Real Estate. She looked forward to each day she was able to spend supporting her father’s business and the entire Watertown community.
Heather spent 17 wonderful years in Weston, MA where she raised her two children, Brooke, and Pierce. Heather’s children were her joy, and she ensured that their lives were full of love and warmth. She was always there: cheering them on at every sports game, making delicious home cooked meals, and offering kind words on even the worst days. Her positive nature was infectious, and radiated to all who encountered her, friend and stranger alike. Heather cherished weekends on the Cape with her mother, Edith, where she could always be found sitting out on the back deck enjoying a new book. She was a devoted Patriots fan and never missed a Sunday; her cheers could be heard from miles away. While in Watertown, she was a dedicated supporter of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club since its inception, where she served on the board for over 5 years. She was heavily involved in various fundraisers for the club, specifically starting the Watertown Boys and Girls Memorial Golf Tournament. When she wasn’t supporting the Boys and Girls Club, she was constantly seeking out ways to give back through the local food pantry and donating clothes to families in need. There was no limit to her generosity. She firmly believed in giving back to the community and those less fortunate, a value she has passed on to her children.
Heather is survived by her mother, Edith Whitney, her brother, Curtis Whitney, her sister, Holly Fitzgerald, her niece, Luella Fitzgerald, her former husband, Christopher Kennedy, and their two children, Brooke and Pierce Kennedy, who will continue to spread her light and love to all of those around them. We love and miss her immensely and want her to know that. We will remember her warmth, her caring nature, and the joy she brought to everyone she met.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Heather may be made to the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, 25 Whites Ave. Watertown, MA 02472 or at watertownbgc.org.
Online condolences can be left on the MacDonald Rockwell & MacDonald website.
