Earlier this week, Alamedan Mary Kenney passed away.
I had the honor of sitting on the Board of the Alameda Free Library Foundation with Mary and there were several things that struck me about Mary from the limited time that I knew her. She was so very helpful in any and every task. She had a deliciously spunky temperament . And she had a warm and kind heart.
Prior to her death, the Alameda 4th of July Parade Committee had elected her to be Grand Marshal at this year’s parade for all of her selfless and tireless contributions to the community. And she was awarded the “Citizen of the Year” award, which she graciously said to the Alameda Journal:
“It was a pleasant surprise…I never even considered myself a candidate for something like this. I am very appreciative.”
Her presence, leadership, and spirit will be missed.
There will be a memorial service for Mary on Monday. Below is a photo taken recently of Mary and her oldest granddaughter.
And I would be remiss not to at least mention this, his music has had an impact on so many people. He may be gone, but his music will live on:
Lauren thank you for paying tribute to my mother-in-law Mary Kenney. She was truly a wonderful grandmother, mother and the best mother-in-law anyone could wish for. Mary lost her husband of over 50 years just six months ago… after learning her cancer had re-occurred she set a goal of making it to her oldest grandchild, Caitlin’s college graduation. The photo seen here is taken 24 hours before entering the hospital. Mary had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever known…I will forever miss her.
Comment by diana kenney — June 26, 2009 @ 9:05 am
Mary Kenny was indeed one of the “special ones” in our community. A tireless worker for many causes, and a real, positive contributer. There is a list of causes she supported in the paper (Journal and Chron) today; I hope people memorialize her by contributing. I think she would like that. My condolences to the family, who are carrying on her legacy of positive community involvement. I think that is just about the best legacy one can give; another generation or two to continue the work.
Comment by Kate Quick — June 26, 2009 @ 11:26 am
Diana what nice thoughts and words you wrote about Mary.The picture of Caitlin and Mary is precious
love,helen
Comment by helen — June 26, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
While I only met Mary a few times, I have worked with her daughter-in-law, Diana, and with her daughter, Karen. Mary Kenney has established a family tradition that ensures that her legacy will live on.
I intend to help carry on Mary’s legacy of community commitment, too, in my own small way. It is, I am sure what she would appreciate the most as a living memorial. May she rest in peace, and may those who mourn her death be comforted in their grief.
Comment by Jon Spangler — June 27, 2009 @ 12:48 am
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mary fairly well. Mary was about as good as they get. You never had to guess where you stood with Mary as she let you know right away. She never minced words and her bark was much louder than her bite. In fact the truth is Mary was about as much of a softy as you can get for doing right by your neighbor. She volunteered for everything and I don’t mean wrote a check and showed up. Mary (and Bill) were there in the midst of everything that makes Alameda great, working hard behind the scenes to make it better. Alameda will never quite understand what it lost because she raised some great kids and grandkids that will carry on the tradition of the Kenney name. Of course I am sad for Karen, Patrick and Katy and their families but I am a little sad for me too as I will really miss her.
PS Not every woman would take this as a compliment the way I know Mary will but she said the word “bu!!s&$t” better than anyone I ever met and 99% of the time she was right.
Comment by Barbara M — July 1, 2009 @ 1:31 pm