Constance Kennelly

In Loving Memory of Constance Marie Hoth Kennelly

Constance Marie Hoth Kennelly, a pioneering leader in the Louisiana credit union movement, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, service, fortitude, and love.

Constance was born on October 24, 1942, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Elise Romagosa Hoth and Louis Hugo Hoth Jr. Although she was born in Tennessee, New Orleans was her true home. She was raised in the city and resided in Terrytown for the past 56 years.

Constance built an extraordinary career in the credit union movement at a time when women were still breaking barriers in financial administration. Known professionally as Constance Nunes and later Constance Kennelly, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jefferson Parish School Board Employees Credit Union, dedicating herself to educators, school employees, and their families.

After retiring from the Jefferson Parish School Board Employees Credit Union in 1997, Connie discovered that retirement could not keep her away from the profession she loved. In 1998, she became President and CEO of Tulane-Loyola Federal Credit Union, where she continued to champion the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” She devoted herself to her members and to the cooperative principles that guided her throughout her career.

Her influence extended far beyond her own credit union. In 2004, Constance was elected National President of the Education Credit Union Council Inc. (ECUC), bringing her advocacy for school- and university-affiliated credit unions to a national stage. The council represented more than 8.3 million members and more than $44.5 billion in collective assets. She also served as an executive officer and secretary of CU Cooperative Branching, LLC, served on the board of CUNA, and held an executive officer position with the Louisiana Credit Union League, along with numerous other boards and professional organizations. Throughout the credit union industry, she became a respected voice for members and for the cooperative financial system.

Her many years of leadership earned her some of the highest honors bestowed by the Louisiana credit union movement, including the Professional of the Year Award and the prestigious Claude J. Davis Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors recognized not only her professional excellence, but her lifelong dedication to the philosophy of putting people first.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful chapters of Connie’s career came in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In November 2005, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify before the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means about the critical role credit unions played in helping Louisianans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Yet, for all of Constance's professional accomplishments, her greatest pride was her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald J. Kennelly, who passed away in 2019. She was a loving mother, stepmother, MiMi, sister, and friend. Her family was her source of great pride and joy, and she remained a cherished presence across generations.

Constance is survived by her children, Regina LaCaze (Greg), Jacqueline Fouquet (William Watkins IV), Walter Nunes Jr. (Jennifer), and Michael Nunes (Shelly); her grandchildren Daniel Fouquet (Kierstyn), Vivian Nunes, Rebecca Nunes, Christian LaCaze, Annabelle Nunes, William LaCaze, Jack Nunes, and Tyler Nunes; and her great-grandchildren, Skylar Fouquet and Stella Fouquet. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Patrick Kennelly, Jennifer Kennelly, and Amy Broughton (Tanner); and her step-grandchildren, Maggie Bachman, Gus Bachman, and Ruby Melton.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Joseph Kennelly; her parents, Elise Romagosa Hoth and Louis Hugo Hoth Jr.; her brother, Louis Hoth III; and her grandson, Ian Scott Shulman.

Those who knew Connie will remember far more than the titles she held and the honors she received. They will remember her strength, intelligence, determination, generosity, and unmistakable adventurous spirit. Constance Marie Hoth Kennelly leaves behind a legacy of guidance, resilience, and love. She showed what is possible when intelligence is joined with compassion, when courage is matched with determination, and when success is measured not simply by what one accomplishes, but by how many lives are made better along the way. Her memory will live on in the family she cherished, her beautiful friends, the people she served, and the generations who carry her love and strength forward.

Special thanks to Anvoi Hospice and all her caregivers along the way who quickly became friends. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and lovingly remembered.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, beginning at 9AM until 11AM. Memorial Services will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11AM. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at mothefunerals.com.