Cllr Kennedy Obituary, Death – It is with deep sadness that County Durham Labour mourns the loss of Cllr Leanne Kennedy, who tragically passed away over the weekend. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Leanne’s husband, Gavin, their two children, two grandchildren, and all her numerous family and friends.
Leanne was an unwavering pillar of her community, serving the Dawdon Division on Durham County Council with utmost dedication and distinction since her election in 2017. A true daughter of Dawdon, she represented her hometown with immense pride, dedicating herself to meaningful youth projects at Dawdon Community Centre, where she held the position of Chair.
Leanne played a crucial role in maintaining the social fabric of the community, both before and during the COVID-19 response efforts. Leanne collaborated closely with numerous community groups, especially during the lockdowns, when she tirelessly assisted in distributing food and emergency supply parcels to vulnerable and elderly individuals. She went the extra mile by preparing, cooking, and delivering hot meals to ensure that no one identified as “at risk” would go hungry.
Leanne’s passions revolved around her family and community. In addition to her role on the County Council, she served as a dedicated Seaham Town councillor and held the esteemed position of Mayor in 2021/22. Leanne was a founding member of the East Durham Veterans Trust, where she also served as a trustee, and she contributed to the governance of Seaham Trinity School.
In tribute to Leanne, her colleague from the Dawdon Division, Cllr Kevin Shaw, remarked, “Leanne was a one-of-a-kind individual—a genuinely lovely person who was unwaveringly focused on helping others, whether it was through her work with community groups at the community center or her support for the Veterans Trust. I had the privilege of working closely with her on all the projects we undertook, and her loss is almost too great to bear. My deepest condolences go out to her family and the countless friends she cared deeply for during this incredibly sad time.
I hope that, with time, we can all find some solace in recognizing the incredible impact she had on our community and in improving the lives of all the people she loved.” Leanne Kennedy’s legacy will endure as a testament to her dedication and selflessness.
