Mary Kennison
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Mary Joan Maher Kennison, 80, Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home with her family beside her, Friday, February 5, 2021.
Mary was born January 12, 1941, in Independence, Kansas to John and Marian Nielsen Maher. She graduated with honors from Yates Center High School in 1959. She won the P.E.O. Scholarship to Emporia State Teachers College where she graduated with honors in 1962, majoring in mathematics and physical education. Mary served students at Highland Park Junior High School, Hayden Catholic High School, Chase Middle School and retired from Topeka High School. Mary devoted more than 40 years of her life to students. During those years she continued her education and earned her master's degree in education. She taught mathematics, physical education and special education, was a pep club, cheerleader and dance team sponsor, and coached volleyball, basketball, gymnastics and track and field,
On April 4, 1964, Mary married her best friend and love of her life, Robert "Bob" Kennison, at Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka, enjoying 38 years together before his death August 1, 2002.
Mary loved life. Her favorite phrase was, "Let me help." She was generous to her family but also to the Catholic and public community. She loved her Jaguars, traveling, visiting with family and friends and all her former students. She enjoyed hearing the birds singing, fresh flowers and the overall beauty that the Lord laid out for her. She was a member of St. Joseph Church, was very involved in Church functions and supporting fund raising activities where her competitive spirit shined. She was an active member of the Daughters of Isabella, Little Flower Circle # 503.
Mary was a vibrant, deeply spiritual woman who loved the Lord, her family and friends. Her presence here will be greatly missed but our loss is Heaven's gain.
Survivors includer her children, John and his wife, Linda Kennison, Overbrook KS, Anne and her husband, Kipp Kaiser, Allen TX, Lady Jennifer and her husband, Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Sir Harold Norris, Topeka, and Christopher Kennison and his fiance, Jen Connor, Omaha NE; 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Mary was also preceded in death by her sons, William A. Kennison in 1977 and Michael Robert Kennison in 1979, her parents and sister, Betty Maher Waggoner.
Visitation will be from 11:30 until 12:30 Tuesday, February 9, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The rosary will be prayed at 12:30 and Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are requires at all services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish and sent in car of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.
Condolences may be sent online to
www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
Mary's family is thankful and blessed by the hospitality, strength and compassion of her Stormont-Vail personal physician and staff, the staff of Heartland Hospice and Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, the "Angels on the Hill".