Mary Therese Sennott

Mary Therese Sennott, 95, of Yorba Linda, California, passed from this life on June 22, 2026, entering the eternal presence of the Lord she had faithfully served every day of her remarkable life. She was a woman of deep faith, effortless warmth, and quiet strength. She was a true people person with a quick wit, natural leader, adventurous spirit and a gift for making lasting friendships wherever life took her.

Born on August 14, 1930, in Murdoch, Minnesota. Mary grew up on the family farm homesteaded by her Irish great Grandfather. She graduated from Murdoch High School and then earned her teaching degree from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota where she flourished.

Mary met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Flynn, on a blind date while both were working at Yellowstone National Park during a college summer. They married in 1954 and lived with their four children first in Richfield, Minnesota, and then Waukesha, Wisconsin where they thrived. Visits back to the family Kavanagh farm in Minnesota were cherished memories.

They were very involved in St. Mary’s Catholic church. Parishioners gave her love and support when sadly Dick passed away from cancer at just 36 years old. Mary met the loss with the same strength and faith in God that defined her entire life. Needing to provide for her family, she enrolled at Carroll College in Waukesha, for a degree to teach remedial reading at St. John's Military Academy. She became a steadfast volunteer at St. Mary's and was involved in the children’s activities.

At a widow and widowers' event many years later, Mary met Frank Sennott. They married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in 1973 and blended a family of eight children, moving from Wisconsin to Texas before settling in Yorba Linda, California in 1977. Soon Frank was promoted to CEO and President of Transamerica Financial Corporation. The two traveled the world through corporate trips. Mary and Frank became devoted parishioners of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, which would become the spiritual home and community center of Mary's life for decades to come.

Frank passed away in 1988, and again Mary faced profound loss with grace and faith.

In the decades following Frank's passing, Mary dedicated her talents to the ministries of St. Martin's and her broader community. Her contributions were tremendous in both their depth and breadth.

She became a Certified Hospital Chaplain but ended up compelled to use her talents for her church. She founded and ran the Grief Support Ministry for 20 years and Befrienders transforming her own experience of loss into a lifeline for others. She was a CCD teacher for two decades. She was an active member of WINGS, a women's prayer group, a Small Christian Communities participant, and became a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound.

In her civic world She was a Board member of the Littlest Angel Guild for CHOC Children's Hospital and a Chapter President raising funds for building the Orange County/Segerstrom Performing Arts Center.

Mary opened her home generously and without hesitation hosting church gatherings, celebrations, and friends in need of a place to stay. Her home was the welcoming center of life for her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Dick Flynn and Frank Sennott

Mary is survived by her children Ann, Rick, Barbara and Maureen and her stepchildren Kevin, Linda and Laurie. In addition, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Mary poured into them the same faith and values that had carried her through 95 extraordinary years.

The funeral Mass is at 10:30 am on July 17 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic church in Yorba Linda, Ca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Martins de Porres, Yorba Linda, California 92887.