Mary Kenny

"I see the moon, and the moon sees me,

God bless the moon, and God bless me.

God bless the stars that shine on me.

God bless the ones I love."

Mary softly sang these words to her children each night-a gentle reminder of her love and presence that will forever echo in their hearts. At the crack of dawn, she clapped her hands and chirped, "Rise and Shine! Rise and Shine!" She had a way of making anywhere feel like home and everyone feel welcome.

Mary Delores Kenny (Gunthorpe), age 89, daughter of Arthur and Maude Gunthorpe--a quiet woman, a devoted mother, and a lifelong learner--passed away on February 15, 2025, in Mobile, Alabama. She is survived by her children: Tom, Peter (Jeanne-Marie), Chuck, Mary (Patrick), Phillip, Theresa (James), James (Gabriela), Kristan (Jeff), and Clare (Jack); as well as 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with number 17 on the way. She is survived by her brothers Donald Gunthorpe (Alice), and Paul Gunthorpe (Judy), and her sister-in-law, Jane Gunthorpe.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Henry Kenny; her son, Paul Vincent Kenny; her daughter, Regina Mary Gunn; her parents, Arthur and Maude Gunthorpe; her brother Jack Gunthorpe; and her sister Patricia Bouchard.

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Mary grew up on Gorgas Street in the Oakdale Neighborhood. She was baptized and received her first communion and was confirmed at St. Matthew's Catholic Church on Garrity. Mary went to Mass with her family and attended the Parochial School. As a child, she was a quiet, discerning girl-watching, listening, and understanding far more than she spoke.

After Mary graduated from Murphy High School, she worked at the Mobile Water Works downtown until she married Charlie Kenny. Charlie and Mary met at a Catholic young adults group run by Father Robinson. They married in St. Matthews Church in May 1957 and welcomed their first of eleven children in April of 1958.

Despite the demands of raising 11 children, Mary continued her education. In her 40s, she returned to school and earned a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's in English literature-an achievement that reflected her lifelong love of literature, for Mary was an avid reader. She expanded her literary journeys with travels abroad, but no matter how far away life took her, Mary always found her way home to Mobile and her family.

Mary blossomed wherever she was planted. Through multiple moves during their marriage, Mary always made a house a home.

A visitation for Mary will be held at St. Matthew's Catholic Church on Thursday, February 20 at 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Mass at 2:00 pm. She will be interred at Mobile Memorial Gardens, with a reception to celebrate her life at the St. Vincent De Paul parish hall. Arrangements are by Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.