AFE honors Katie Kennicott
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has established a memorial tribute to honor Kathleen “Katie” Kennicott, who passed away on Oct. 13, 2023. Kenicott was well-known in the floral industry, for her more than 60 years of active involvement, and for being the wife of Harrison “Red” Kennicott, of Kennicott Brothers Company, a Chicago-based wholesale distributor.
Kennicott, although she pursued her teaching career, was drawn into working with Kennicott Brothers as a customer-relations representative. This was a time that Kennicott herself noted that “there were no women in the wholesale flowers business at all. Zero.”
AFE noted in an email that Kennicott’s role and presence organized a panel featuring women leaders and that this was “a turning point and new era for women in the wholesale florist business.”
“Over a period of at least 40 years, Katie came along with Red to nearly every WF&FSA and SAF annual convention, strengthening the company’s connection to suppliers as well as to customers and always giving back to the industry,” AFE’s email stated. “Together they helped establish and became founding members of AFE’s Legacy Circle, an honorary group of industry members who made provisions for a planned gift to AFE to support the work of the Endowment.”
The family has arranged a private service, and will plan a Celebration of Life in the future.
AFE’s Katie Kennicott Memorial Tribute has been established to forever honor Kennicott and her legacy. Contributions can be made online here, or by sending a check along with this form to:
American Floral Endowment
c/o Katie Kennicott Memorial Tribute
610 Madison Street, Suite 101, PMB 803
Alexandria, VA 22314
*The family is always notified of donations and contributions can be made in any amount.
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