Mary Ann (Jarema) Kennedy

Mrs. Mary Ann (Jarema) Kennedy, age 74, of North Utica, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loved ones by her side. Her passing was peaceful and her family admired her valiant efforts during her illness. Born in Utica on February 7, 1935, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Frank and Barbara (Kulas) Jarema. Raised and educated in locally, she was a 1953 graduate of Utica Free Academy. On October 10, 1953 she married Joseph George Kennedy with whom she shared 27 years prior to his passing on July 30, 1981; the blessing of their three children was a great bond of their marriage. Mary Ann’s diligent work ethic combined with her comical attitude defined her wonderful personality which endeared her to all of her employers and fellow co-workers. Her career included positions at Univac, for 21 years, ICL, General Electric Company, and Par Technology where she worked in various capacities during her 27 year tenure with the company. As a loving mother, she was most proud of the relationship she shared with her children, and the special moments in the lives of each of her grandchildren; Michael’s graduation as a firefighter, Pret’s acceptance into Boston College, and Kiana’s quality and abundant days with her Grandma who Mary Ann truly adored. Her humorous personality, honest nature, and strength of character will long remain in the hearts of those she touched. She was proud of her heritage and held strong to her own values and traditions which inspired her selective cooking. She combined the foods of both ethnic backgrounds, expertly preparing sausage rolls and olive & onion rolls. A valued shopper, she would obtain the best of bargains and wears. She was also a cat lover who shared a great devotion with her “Daisy” who filled her life in these later years. She treasured the holidays and enjoyed traveling, especially to Canada. Games of chance were a highlight in her life and during her leisure time she frequented various casinos. She was also a former member of the North Utica Senior Center. As a woman of faith, Mary Ann took comfort in praying and recitation of the rosary. She was a communicant of St. Mark’s Church and St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Mary Ann is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn M. and Kenneth J. Mariano of Utica; her sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph F. and Waiyee Kennedy, and Michael A. and Robin Kennedy, all of New Hartford; and her grandchildren, Michael A. Kennedy, Jr., Alexandra "Pret" Kennedy; and Kiana Kennedy. Survivors also include her sister, Stella Swier of New Hartford; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Devina and Jack Giambrone, Kathleen and Thomas Bifarella, Patricia Kennedy (godchild), George “Marty” and Nancy Kennedy, Jack and Susan Kennedy, and Angelo J. Giacovelli; and a special nephew Michael True; also her neighbors, Barb and Fred Winne. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles “Teddy” and Helen Jarema; her in-laws, George F. and Caroline Kennedy, and Georgianna J. Giacovelli; and her best friend, Mary Conte. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Nelson and the entire staff at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially the 4th floor, care attendant Earl and the caregivers of CCU and ICU for their total compassion which was outstanding and so comforting. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Mary Ann's funeral service will commence on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary Ann (Jarema) Kennedy

February 7, 1935 - May 24, 2009