Mary Frances Kennelly

Mary Frances Kennelly passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023 surrounded by loved ones (and cats) having fought a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Mary Frances was 87 years young, born on September 21, 1935 in Jacksonville, Florida to Ralph and Frances Richardson. She grew up on the Southside where her father was a member of JSO. She was a very popular and athletic girl who was also cheerleader at Andrew Jackson High School. She was married to F. Brad Kennelly who passed away in 1973. She then took on the great task of supporting and raising three young sons as a single mother with little to no outside assistance. She did this with amazing grace and determination always putting her family first.

Mary Frances initially worked at the public defender’s office and later became a clerk in the Federal Judiciary System where she was ultimately awarded the Distinguished Service Award. One of her favorite duties was organizing and swearing in new US citizens at the Naturalization Ceremonies. As an active parishioner at Assumption Catholic Church, Mary Frances served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was in charge of preparing for the 6 pm Mass on Sundays. She loved to travel including cruises with her sister, Judy Kay and also had a fun exciting trip to Europe with her son Sean where she saw the Pope on Christmas Eve. Mary Frances was a true animal lover and both she and her son Kevin had a knack for finding abandoned kittens stuck in drainage pipes or in the middle of highways usually on stormy nights which of course then became part of the family. Like her son Brad she felt the “need for speed” and loved fast cars which included her 280Z and 300ZX. Her favorite flowers were gardenias, azaleas and magnolias. Mary Frances was her sons’ greatest cheerleader and always there for them.

Mary Frances is predeceased by her parents and her sister Judy Kay Middleton. She is survived by her adoring sons F. Bradley (Kathy), Kevin Patrick, and Michael Sean, her grandson Bradley, her 6 cats and numerous nephews and nieces.

Arrangements are made by Hardage- Giddens (Oaklawn) Funeral Services. There will be visitation starting at 9AM on Wednesday May 31, 2023 at Assumption Catholic Church with Rosary at 10 AM and then Mass at 10:30 AM. Then at Oaklawn Cemetery a graveside interment will occur followed by a reception at the Legacy Lodge at Oaklawn. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to No more homeless pets or the Humane society in Mary’s memory.