This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Kennedy, Paden, Miller Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4778/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Mary P. Kennedy passed away on September 18, 2010. A remarkable woman, she had a rich and full life. She was born on March 05, 1913 to James Bain Paden and Essie Miller Paden. She lived independently until only recently and was a true champion for the underdog and lived according to her own rules and expectations. On July 11, 1953, Mary married Bert A.C. Kennedy and they were happily married for 50 years. Bert passed away five months shy of their anniversary. Mary was an avid reader who enjoyed a wide assortment of books. She was a sociable person, enjoyed meeting people and engaging them in stimulating conversation. Mary was a graduate of the School of Mines, now known as UTEP and also attended Santa Monica City College in California. Mary was a very active lady wherever she lived. This is especially true in the city of Las Cruces where she lived for 57 years. Her name and that of her husband appears on placards throughout Las Cruces. She was appointed to the Public Housing Authority by Governor Bruce King. She succeeded in helping to establish low-cost housing for the area, two of which are Jardines Allegre and Jardines Verde. Mary co-founded the first chapter of Planned Parenthood for Dona Ana County and was its first president. She was a long- time member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and was co-founder of its thrift shop in Old Mesilla. She had a special relationship with Reverend Scott Ruthven, and enjoyed critiquing his sermons and delivering some good-natured teasing. She was a supervisor for the US Bureau of the Census and traveled to different areas of the nation as an interviewer at a time when it was risky to be a census taker. In Las Cruces, she marched for civil rights in the early 60's. As a result, her husband Bert received a reprimand from his employer at WSMR. Mary's accomplishments are numerous and she is listed in the 1973 publication of Personalities of the West and Midwest Award. Mary had a long-standing friendship with several friends known as the "lunch bunch". They regularly met for lunch once a week, and over the years supported one another during difficult times and celebrated good times together. Mary believed exercise was important and became a member of Tom Young's Fitness Center years ago and that is where she met the ladies who became the "lunch bunch". Mary maintained her membership in the fitness center until 2007 when mobility became an issue. In her neighborhood, Mary had an exceptional friend and neighbor for over 40 years. The two ladies looked after each other, watched their children grow, and were there for each other up to Mary's Passing. Mary was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her three children, a daughter Betty Ann Barton, granddaughters Linda Rebstock, Cindy Arend, Suzie Smith; son, William B. Kennedy, grandsons Scott and Chuck Kennedy, daughter in law Gladys; son John L. Kennedy, daughter in law Joan, grandson Zachary Kennedy, and granddaughter Katelyn Kennedy. She was also the great grandmother of fourteen. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on September 22, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.