Mary Staples Kennedy

Kennedy Mary Staples, 96, of Friendship Village, Bloomington, died February 16, 2002. Preceded in death by husband, Alan; son, Alan, Jr.; daughter, Susan Smebakken; grandson, Peter Smebakken. Survived by daughter, Ann Kennedy of Elizabethtown, NY; daughter-in-law Jean Kennedy; son-in-law Ted Smebakken; grandchildren Daniel Kennedy (DeAnna), Katherine Kennedy, James Kennedy (Valerie), Bryan Smebakken (Juliet), Nansi Reer, Andrew Smebakken, Charles Derr (Michelle), Daniel Derr; 21 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Mary was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She graduated from the U of M in 1926 where she was active in student government, publications, Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Chosen to lead the Junior Ball, voted Best All-Around Girl based on scholarship and activities, among other awards. A wife, mother and grandmother first and foremost, also a role model par excellence as a contributing community member: officer and/or board member of AAUW, Mabeth Paige, American Field Service, and scouting. She enjoyed reading, painting, knitting, sewing, gardening. Mary and Alan were married 63 years, living in Excelsior, South Minneapolis, North Oaks and Stillwater and wintering for 20 years in Mexico before moving to Friendship Village in 1988. There she was elected to the Residents Council and served a term as Vice President. She and the staff of FV had a mutual love affair and her family is grateful to them and Allina Hospice for the wonderful care she received during her illnesses. Memorial service Wednesday, February 20, FV Friendship Hall, 10 a.m. 952-831-7500. Family requests memorials go to the FV Employee Appreciation Fund, Allina Hospice or donor's choice.

Published on February 18, 2002