Mary Agnes Kennedy

Mary A. Kennedy passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Flushing, Queens, New York, to Fred and Agnes Deelwater, Mary lived a life marked by her Catholic faith, grace, kindness, and an elegant yet down-to-earth spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

When recently asked how she wanted to be remembered, Mary didn't hesitate: "As a person interested in others, who was kind, loved her family, loved animals, and liked to have fun." She was all of those and more—though she would have told you not to make too big a fuss about it.

Mary grew up in Queens alongside her beloved sister Helen. Her early years were filled with family, faith, and a love of learning that would stay with her always. She attended St. Agnes High School, where she developed the grace and curiosity that would define her life. A loyal Brooklyn Dodgers fan through and through, she carried that hometown spirit with her wherever she went. Mary went on to study elementary education at St. John's University—and it was there, in those college years, that she met Ray Kennedy, the love of her life. They married on March 29, 1964, beginning a nearly 39-year adventure.

Together, Mary and Ray raised three sons while living in multiple states, eventually settling in Indianapolis, IN. They created cherished family gathering places at Lake Wawasee and Johns Island, Florida—places where memories were made and traditions took root. When Ray passed away unexpectedly in 2003, Mary moved back to Indianapolis from Bloomfield Hills. For the next 23 years, she became the heart and soul of the Kennedy family. Without ever asking for the title, she stepped into the role of matriarch, holding everyone together and building something beautiful from loss.

Mary began her career as a second-grade teacher. After welcoming her first son, she embraced the role of full-time mother with the same devotion. Over the years she supported many non-profits dedicated to serving the impoverished, improving education, and sheltering animals. She was a long-time member of the Library Council at the University of Notre Dame, where her three sons and four of her grandchildren attended. Mary hosted and attended hundreds of much-loved Kennedy tailgaters over the decades, even participating in a shotski from time to time.

Those who knew Mary remember her as a woman of quiet strength, dignity, and vibrant spirit. She was fiercely loyal to her family, thoughtful, and kind. But she never took life too seriously, and always brought you back to what mattered. She was genuinely curious and invested in everyone's lives—the best listener, someone who made each person feel known, valued, and loved. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel like they were her favorite (and honestly, you probably were). An avid reader who devoured mystery novels, a crossword aficionado who tackled the puzzle with coffee in hand, and someone who loved great conversation, Mary was empathetic and deeply engaged with the world around her.

She had impeccable style and taste—always elegant and sophisticated in a way that felt effortless and approachable. Friends recall her as the best dancer in the room and someone who could eat a Chick-fil-A nugget with a knife and fork and make it look classy.

Mary loved dogs, and they loved her right back. She passed along this passion to each succeeding Kennedy generation, to the extent that today there's a large pack of Kennedy hounds roaming multiple states—and likely a Heavenly pack waiting to be spoiled when Mary arrives.

Mary had particular affections for Haribo gummy bears (the clear gummy choice), Le Crema Chardonnay (preferably on a porch at sunset), Snapple iced tea, Milano cookies, and evenings filled with laughter and good company. Her generosity knew no bounds. She created lasting memories by taking her entire family on adventures to Kenya, the Canadian Rockies, and Lake Tahoe, and delighted her grandchildren with trips to New York City and London when they reached special milestones. She even helped her oldest grandchild start her first book club—passing on her love of reading and conversation to the next generation.

As a lifelong Catholic, Mary lived her faith with deep conviction and thoughtful independence, believing the Church was called to be more inclusive, forgiving, and humble. She lived her spirituality through her actions—through her kindness, her generosity, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Mary had a wonderful way with words, often reminding her loved ones "don't be a bonehead," "he's an old so and so," “don’t be a dope”, or exclaiming "creepy!" at just the right moment, usually followed by a knowing smile. These small phrases, like so much about her, brought warmth and laughter to everyday life.

Mary is survived by her sons Ray, Mike (Anne), and Kevin (Bridget); eleven grandchildren: Kathleen, Casey, Mara, Deirdre, Caroline, Joe, Conor, Michael, Sarah, Molly, and Will; and her lovable goldendoodle, Murphy. She is further survived by her sister Helen (John) Howe, and her husband Ray's siblings Helen LeMay, Margie Luzzi, Joan Schurwonn, James Kennedy, and Kathy Metiever, along with many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray, along with her parents, and goddaughter, Mary Ellen Howe.

In the words of those who loved her, Mary was grace personified—a beautiful soul, the best of us, lovely in every sense of the word. She taught her family how to live with grace regardless of what life brings. The Kennedy family is who they are today because of Mary. Her quiet strength, faithful heart, generous spirit, and the warmth with which she loved her family will be deeply missed. She will be found in the family's laughter, the reflection in their eyes, and the way they love and show up for each other.

Visitation will be at Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations dear to Mary: Friends of Honduran Children, Hear Indiana, Humane Society of Indianapolis, or Children's TherAplay Foundation.