Mary E (Sheehan) Kennedy

PEABODY- Mary E. Kennedy 89 of Peabody, beloved wife of the late Brendan Kennedy, passed away on April 26, 2020 at Hawthorne Hill Healthcare in Danvers of complications from Covid-19.

Born in Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland, May 6, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Sullivan) Sheehan. She was raised and educated in Waterville, Ireland before immigrating to Boston in 1949. Mary resided in Dorchester with family while she worked in Boston for several years. Mary, with her beautiful blue eyes and passion for style was quick to make friends and loved attending the Irish dances, where she met her future husband Brendan Kennedy. After marrying in 1956, they moved to Salem where they would make their permanent home and raise their 8 children. After Brendan’s passing, Mary had resided in Peabody for the past 15 years. 

 Mary devoted her life to her husband and family taking great pride in providing a warm and loving home. Mary was an excellent cook and fantastic baker, especially with her famous Irish bread.

Although Mary was diagnosed with RA at a young age, she never let it stop her from living a full and adventurous life. Mary always faced life's challenges head on and will be remembered for her strength and courage.

She was a long-time communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle church in Peabody and in later years with rosary beads in hand, she faithfully watched the daily Catholic Mass on Television. Mary will be fondly remembered for her devotion to her family, faith and friends.

Mary is survived by eight children: her daughters, Patricia Kennedy of Danvers, Mary O'Shea and her husband Gerry of Boston, Elizabeth Kennedy-Salah and her husband Dean of Gloucester, Kathleen Moriarty and her husband John of Danvers and Diane Kennedy of Danvers, her sons, Thomas Kennedy and his wife Tina of Seabrook N.H., Brendan Kennedy and his wife Regina of Ipswich, Jerry Kennedy and his wife Lisa of Ipswich, seventeen grandchildren, three great grand children and several nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her brothers, Patrick, Michael and Daniel Sheehan. 

ARRANGEMENTS: Due to the current pandemic restrictions, burial will be private and a Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell – Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boston Catholic Television Mass, C/O Bishop Reed, P.O. Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL., Memphis, TN, 38105. Sharing written remembrances and condolences, during this time will be essential in helping Mary’s family reminisce, celebrate and heal. We encourage you to share your memories by visiting her eternal tribute.

Her tribucast will be held on Monday May 4th at 11 AM. To join remotely: click the link below or copy and paste the address: http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/73998610

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