Marian F. Kennedy Obituary (1926 - 2014)

Marian F. Kennedy, 87, formerly of Normal, sadly passed from this life on February 13, 2014 at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.Her funeral will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday (2-18-14) at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, OFallon. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 am, Tuesday at the church. A memorial mass will be at 11:00 am, Saturday (2-22-14) at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal with Rev. Daniel Gifford officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 am, Saturday at the church. Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with local arrangements.Memorials may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal or St. Nicholas Catholic Church, OFallon.To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.Marian was born April 30, 1926 in Philadelphia, Penn., the daughter of Thomas J. and Louise (Hasenmayer) Finegan. She married the love of her life, Joseph A. Kennedy in Philadelphia on September 24, 1955.Surviving are her daughter, Louise Kennedy of Addison, Ill., son Joe (Tracy) Kennedy of Fenton, Mo.; and daughter Mary (Steve) Macaluso, of OFallon Ill. Grandchildren James Boring, Michael Boring, Dominic Macaluso, Katherine Macaluso, Jak Kennedy, and Jaida Kennedy. A sister Joan (Larry) Stemann, as well as many nieces and nephews who always held a special place in her heart.She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother Thomas Finegan Jr., sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rosemary and Norbert Ellis.During the early years of Marian and Joes marriage and later when Joe retired, they traveled the world extensively and enjoyed their lives together as a couple.Eventually the road led to Bloomington- Normal where they made their home for over four decades. When asked what Marian had always wanted to be, her reply was "I always wanted to be a mother." Three very fortunate children were blessed to call her "Mom".Marian spent many years as a "professional" homemaker and volunteer. She served as a leader on many boards both at Epiphany Catholic Church and school, as well as a volunteer at the local hospital. Marian was very active in her childrens school activities and sporting events. Because of her many close friends, bridge groups and those she volunteered with, Marian continued to remain in Normal for many years after the death of her beloved husband . Following this time, Marian spent her winters in Hilton Head, S.C., where she treasured the time spent with her dear sister, brother-in-law and many wonderful friends.In 2011, Marian made the decision to move to OFallon, Ill. to be closer to family. She was immediately embraced by the Macaluso family, as well as the St. Nicholas parish family and in a very short time developed close relationships.Marian was a person of great faith, which served her well in difficult times. She faced her current cancer battle with an incredible, unfaltering belief and considered herself to be blessed by God. She thoroughly enjoyed learning about the lives of everyone she met. She was "smart as a whip" and those who knew her would marvel at her independence, intelligence and youthful appearance.While Marian loved her children, she really "loved" her grandchildren. She was a fixture at school programs, masses, and sporting events. Her grandchildren will dearly miss their Grandma K.