Mary Kennedy, 79, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 31, 2022, surrounded by her loving family while overlooking her favorite place in the world, Skaneateles Lake. Moments later, the sky cleared, and we were treated with the most spectacular blue and pink sunset as we knew she was being welcomed into heaven and reunited with the love of her life, Patrick Kennedy.
She leaves behind daughter, Cindy (Garry) Payne and Kim (Andrew) Baldwin, grandchildren, Matthew and Chloe Payne and Allie and Emily Baldwin, her 2 sisters, Kay (Jack) Larmer and Alicia (Greg) Yowell, many nieces and nephews, cherished friends, and her beloved dog, Shandy who was often seen riding in the passenger seat holding her hand.
There are many special things that we have all learned from Mary … her love for playing games was infectious, she loved a good competition, especially golf, pitch and family games. Christmas Charades was a favorite family tradition with many laughs. She brought out the competitive spirit in all of us where nothing was impossible, it was just a matter of putting together a plan and getting it done…
She loved unconditionally and if you were in her circle, you knew it. Sunday dinners were not negotiable, all attended and world problems were solved, birthdays were celebrated, and the love of our family was felt all around the table. Memories to last a lifetime.
She was an ambassador to Skaneateles. She would meet people from all over the world and invite them to Skaneateles and her home. Especially those that had a “wee” bit of Irish in them.
She made strangers feel like friends, friends feel like family and her family was the center of her world. She loved being Nana and absolutely adored her grandchildren, setting up traditions from day one. She will be forever missed.
In any event that Mary planned, she prioritized creating a special ambiance whether it was through themes, decorations, music, cocktails or clothing. We would like to continue this in the celebration of her life by asking all of her guests to wear green to honor her Irish heritage, or blue to remember her beautiful blue eyes and her favorite color.
Services were held on Monday, April 4. Mary was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an organization near and dear to Mary’s heart; Syracuse University InclusiveU Gift Fund.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.