A convert to Catholicism in her late teens, Millie often made it known that her life was guided by faith. She was a longtime parishioner at St, Kieran Catholic Church in El Cajon. Millie Volunteered in a number of areas over the years, including membership in the Altar & Rosary Society and St. Joseph Pantry. Her homemade sauce for the church's annual spaghetti dinner was a local legend.
Millie was married to Bill Kearney for 53 years, falling in love after a chance meeting as passengers on the "A Train" from Oakland to San Francisco.
The couple settled in San Diego, where they raised 10 children. Millie tackled motherhood with deep faith and a large dose of common sense. She taught teamwork. Generosity and compassion were encouraged. Accountability was demanded. A sense of humor didn't hurt, either. The license plate on her car read "MOMOTEN."
Near and dear to Millie's heart was St. Kieran Catholic School, where she sent nine of her children and was an unrelenting advocate for Catholic Education.
Millie was born in Idaho and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1944.
With diploma in hand and World War II still raging, she joined the Navy's Waves Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services). She served boot camp in New York City and later was stationed at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in the Bay Area. That was followed by the meeting on the "A Train" - another of life's moments that Millie attributed to faith.
Millie's sense of community extended beyond the home. She was recognized by AIDS Foundation San Diego for "reflecting the best of humanity." She also was honored by UCSD Medical Center for outstanding service. She joined other volunteers in working with Mother Teresa to help families in Mexico.
Millie was a huge sports fan who loved the Grand Slam events in tennis and golf. Her favorite was baseball, though as a Padres fan her faith was often tested.
Millie is predeceased by her husband Bill and daughter Maggie. She is survived by daughters Pat Kearney, Jo Erickson, Kelly Williams, Jeanne Rosolino and Mary Kenny; sons Mike Kearney, Jess Kearney, Mark Kearney and Tom Kearney; 24 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren.
Plans for a memorial Mass are pending.
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