Mary Stinchfield Kenney
March 22, 1933- September 6, 2025
Mary Stinchfield Kenney was a beloved wife, mother, and gracious hostess known for her legendary dinner parties and warm hospitality at summer family camps. Born March 22, 1933, in New York City to Ruth and Allan Stinchfield, she moved frequently during World War II before settling in Maine, where she graduated from Cony High School. Mary attended Colby College and graduated from Children’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1956, followed by earning a Public Health degree from Simmons College. She dedicated her career to nursing with Visiting Nurse Associations in Massachusetts and Vermont. In March 1958, she met Robert Kenney (Bob) on a blind date, and they married June 13, 1959. The couple raised 2 children Carolyn (Lyn) and William (Bill) while living in New Hampshire and spending 43 years in Burlington, Vermont, before moving to Kent, Washington, in 2013. Mary was passionate about skiing, sewing, and gardening, and won recognition from the Burlington Garden Club. She and Bob were active members of Burlington Unitarian Church and enjoyed sailing Lake Champlain. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert; children Lyn Stultz (Doug Stultz) and Bill Kenney (Amy Kenney); six grandchildren; sister Jane Sexton and extended family. A celebration of life will be held at noon, November 1st, at Saltwater Unitarian Church in Des Moines, WA. Donations can be made to Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church https://saltwaterchurch.org/ Or by mail to Saltwater Church 25701 14th Place South Des Moines, WA 98198 or to Children’s Hospital Nursing Fund in Boston via their website https://giving.childrenshospital.org/donate/honor-memorial-giving or by mail at Boston Children’s Hospital Trust 401 Park Drive Suite 602 Boston, MA 02215-5301
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