Mary Doolin Kennedy

Mary Lillian (Doolin) Kennedy, age 86 of Crown Point, IN passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 with loving family by her side. Mary is survived by her husband of 65 years, John J. (Jack) Kennedy and their eight children: Maureen, Jack, Megan (Jorge) Godinez, Karen (Ken) Harrison, Mary Ellen, Sheila (Jaime Canete), Kathleen Keilman (Keith Carpenter) and Richard (Andrea); eleven grandchildren: Keeley, Caitlin, Carrie, Genevieve, Michael, Ashley, Daniel, Kramer, Jonny, Connor & Finnegan; twelve great grandchildren; brothers: Tom (Bert), Shawn (Judy), Mike (Diane) and Kevin (Dori); sisters: Janet (Joe) Mulflur, Karin Maupin and Colette Doolin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Shauna Kennedy; parents: Thomas and Genevieve (Eder) Doolin; sister, Virgene Doolin; brothers, Richard, Dennis and Tim. As a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Mary volunteered for various projects/ committees over the years but the most meaningful to her was singing in the funeral choir. She loved music and was a classically trained pianist. She loved to read, watch old movies and musicals, crossword puzzles and tending to a vegetable garden with which she often canned many quarts of its bounty. She was also famous for her delicious eggs benedict and all who have had the privilege of sharing that meal would vouch for that. And speaking of meals, although she had eight children of her own, as far as she was concerned, there was always room for more. Whether it was making another seat at the dinner table or offering a couch to sleep on, she handled it without fanfare. She welcomed all into her home and created a warm and inviting environment which was always casual, comforting, loving and as she would say, "like a pair of old shoes". She often joked that during the years of raising her family, when having an especially hectic day, her go-to lifeline back to organized chaos was to pick up something to read by Erma Bombeck! Mary's humor was both whimsical and witty and the sound of her laughter was sweet and timeless. Once the years of household president, chief cook and bottle washer were behind her, she went to work for many years as a bookkeeper. But to Mary, her most important job and greatest joy was that of Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Her family was her life, it was her sacred calling and the true essence of who she was. She will be missed by all who knew her beautiful smile, her kind and gentle heart, and her hugs.... she gave the best hugs! To quote a beautiful old movie, we certainly believe she's "earned her wings". So onward and upward she goes as she takes her final journey to her Heavenly Father, where she will find his warm embrace and peaceful rest. A celebration of life will be live-streamed on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Crown Point,IN. Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point entrusted with arrangements.www.burnsfuneral.com.

Mary Doolin Kennedy

February 24, 1934 - September 2, 2020