Mary Agnes Kennedy, 99, of Taylorville passed away at 6:45a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Taylorville Care Center. She was born on December 11, 1919 in Coles County, Illinois, the daughter of James and Mary Agnes (O’Donnell) Sullivan. She married Samuel F. Kennedy on February 16, 1939 and he preceded her in death on November 2, 2001. Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America. She also was active with the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary as well as the VFW Auxiliary where she served as the first president and delivered meals-on-wheels in Taylorville. Mary was an avid golfer and 4-time Ladies City Golf Champion and had a hole-in-one to her credit. When she was younger, she competed in the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair typing competition and also received a lifetime scholarship to Eastern Illinois University for her academic achievements. More than anything she was proud of her 7 children she raised as well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: Mike Kennedy (Helen) of Taylorville, Deborah Kennedy-Payne (Robert) of Atlanta, Georgia, Joseph Kennedy (Patrice) of Sarasota, Florida, Molly Kennedy of Springfield, Martie Lieberman of Sarasota, Florida, and Colleen Kennedy-Jacobs (Terry Longdon) of Taylorville; grandchildren: John Dukes, Lisa Tarr (Blake), Ashley Logsdon (Todd), Nathan Fye, Sarah Adams (Chris), Gianna Kennedy, Karli Kennedy (Jesse Mathews), Meghan Reese, Bryan Tippy (Kelly Thompson), and Ryan Kennedy (Laura Falat); several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; son-in-law: David Dukes; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter: Samara Kennedy Dukes; grandson: Andy Jacobs; sister: Virginia “Ginger” Negley; and brothers: Andrew Sullivan, James Sullivan, and Don Sullivan.
Mary was a very devout Catholic lady who also possessed a great sense of humor and loved to have fun with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed sports like golf and basketball (Go Illini!). She loved puzzles, solitaire, bridge, and was an avid reader. Mary was an excellent cook. Her homemade noodles, ice cream and specialty cakes were amongst the family favorites.
The funeral service for Mary will be held at 11:30a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at McClure Funeral Home with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Following the service, she will be cremated, and inurnment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or the Taylorville Food Pantry.
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Mary, or condolences to her family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
