Memorial
Mary Ellen Ryan Kenney, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 99. Born on November 7, 1925, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she grew up surrounded by a large, loving network of cousins in Southeast Minneapolis, all proudly bearing the name ‘Ryan.’ Her Irish roots ran deep; throughout her life, she embodied this heritage through her irresistible wit, gift for storytelling, and unwavering devotion to family.
Affectionately known as 'Mick,' she cherished memories of her childhood in the Twin Cities and summer adventures at Turtle Lake. A child of the Depression, she remarked that she didn’t realize its hardship until she went to college—a testament not to the wealth, but to the warmth and resilience of her family home.
She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Catherine's College in 1947. Upon graduation, she worked as a registered nurse in San Francisco — an adventure that sparked her lifelong independent spirit. She eventually returned to Minnesota to care for her mother and worked at Anchor Hospital in St. Paul, specializing in pediatric nursing.
In 1950, she married the love of her life, Thomas James Kenney, and together they embarked on the great project of building their life together, welcoming eight wonderful children along the way. Over the years, Tom’s career took them from Atlantic, Iowa, to Rockford, Illinois, and back to Iowa, where their growing family put down roots on the Southeast side of Cedar Rapids. Mary Ellen built lasting friendships in every community and sought meaningful opportunities to serve, particularly in spaces where compassion was needed most. At a time when women’s lives were often narrowly defined, her faith called her to use her gifts and reach outward — volunteering, advocating, nursing neighbors back to health — with courage and love. In 1975, as her children reached their teenage years, Mary Ellen returned to her nursing career, taking a refresher course at the University of Iowa and reactivating her license. With characteristic practicality and humor, she explained her preference for a job that allowed her to “come home for lunch to check on things.” With eight active children, there was certainly plenty to check on! She found her calling in public health as a discharge planner for the city’s Visiting Nurses Association and St. Luke’s Hospital. Somehow, Mary Ellen managed it all: creating a beautiful, loving home, maintaining deep friendships, building professional relationships, and still finding time to volunteer extensively with her church, Head Start programs, for her political party, and numerous healthcare initiatives. Even after retiring from St. Luke's, her compassionate spirit led her to continue serving others through her volunteer work at the Free Clinic, All Saints Church, and Mercy Medical Center.
Mary Ellen loved to travel and meet people in all environments. She delighted in playing bridge and other card games and stayed active by swimming, biking, cross-country skiing, and golfing. She maintained loving ties with the generations of Ryans and Kenneys who spread across the country and remained particularly close with her family in Minnesota. The beauty of Minnesota’s wild spaces had a special place in her heart, and she cherished every return to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Her family will always remember her as the first to plunge into the lake, even on the chilliest summer mornings, declaring with a smile that 'the lake is my happy place.’
Mary Ellen touched the lives of many with her kindness, emotional strength, and unwavering optimism in the face of adversity. A woman of deep faith, she taught her children that life’s meaning would be found in people, that we were obliged to care for those who could not care for themselves, and to “not feel sorry for ourselves in times of trouble.” Famously no-nonsense, she would remind her complaining teenagers, “You have two good arms and two good legs. Put them to use.” Her practical wisdom and family commitment created her most significant legacy: a close-knit brood who embodies her values in their own lives.
She spent her later years at Meth-Wick Community, moving from The Manor to Arbor Place and finally to The Woodlands. She gracefully embraced each chapter, forming meaningful connections with residents and staff. A true character who could light up any room, Mary Ellen had an irrepressible spirit and an infectious sense of humor. She played the piano with spirit and delighted in gathering with friends at dinner or The Key Club. Into her 90s, her curiosity never dimmed; she loved meeting new people, asking questions, and hearing their stories. She made genuine connections, whether with a fellow resident, a staff member, or a visiting family member. She brought humor, interest, and a lighthearted spark that made people feel seen and welcomed. Even on difficult days, she radiated good cheer and maintained her brave, indomitable spirit.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Thomas J. Kenney (2008); her parents, Edward Michael Ryan and Mary Lucille McGee; her siblings, Edward Michael Ryan (Marian) and John (Jack) Ryan (Lorraine and Patty) and her beloved youngest son, Paul Ryan Kenney (2009).
She is survived by her loving children who admired her deeply: Captain Patricia Kenney, USN (Ret.) (Dr. Christina Joy), Jeanne Brandes (Matthew), Mary Ellen “Molly” Kempf (Edward), Thomas (Robin), Jack (Christine), Anne Smart (Jeff), and Eileen Foxhoven (Tony); her cherished grandchildren: Katherine Beihl (Aden), Martha Brandes (Ronan Farrell), Laura Ebinger (Tom), Sarah Colony (Drew), Dan Kempf, Marcus Kenney (Tiffani), Joseph Kenney, Michele Kenney, John Kenney, James Kenney, Thomas Hayes (Molly), Michael Smart, Grace Smart, Liam Smart, Matthew Foxhoven, Kristin Catrenich (Adam), and Greg Foxhoven. Mary Ellen was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Lincoln, Archer, and Parker Beihl; Saorla and Ailidh Farrell; Maggie, Mary Ryan “Molly”, and Charlie Ebinger; Audrey Colony; Walter Kenney; Henry and Elizabeth Hayes; and Halle and Gavin Catrenich. Her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Dolly Kenney, also survive her, as do many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Meth-Wick nurses and staff, especially those who provided care during Mary Ellen's final weeks at The Woodlands. Their kindness, patience, and service are remembered with gratitude and love.
Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 23rd, with a Vigil Service beginning at 4:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, May 24th at 10 AM at All Saints Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Mary Ellen's name to Mercy Medical Center Foundation https://mercycare.org/giving to support the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center or Nursing Scholarships, Meth-Wick Care Community (https://methwick.org/donate/), or All Saints Catholic Church.
In her 99 years, Mary Ellen mastered the art of meaningful connection, independent thinking, and unflinching optimism. True to her family roots, she lived with the spirit of an Irish blessing — the wind at her back, the sunshine on her face, and God’s guidance in her heart. Those who loved her will carry forward her legacy of faith, hard work, and good humor. She will be deeply missed and always loved.