I clearly remember one particular quote from Jeanne.  "How are you thinking today?"  She was an inspiration and a great example of how to age gracefully.  Rest in peace, my friend.  Love you!  Jill Grubbs

If anyone asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me:

We enjoyed lots of fun that made us laugh out loud.

“Pumpkinoids,” chased around with a plucked chicken.

This Momma is very proud of my wonderful family.

My life long joy has always been and remains, I love being a Practicing Fine Artist, a Painter.

~ Mary ‘Jeanne’ Kenna

I'm so sorry for the loss of Mary. I'll always think of her whenever I come across an amazing painting and hear her encouraging words when I’m scared to try something new. I’m so very appreciative of all I learned from Mary while in our care.

When Mary first came to us at Sunrise all she would say was "I need to get out of here call Ricky!" Slowly she began to warm up to us and then we were family! I would say to her "Mary Kenna" and she would liven up and smile and say there's my girl as she held my hand! I have truly missed this everyday. I want to thank the Kenna family from the bottom of my heart for sharing your mothers love with us. It was truly a pleasure to know her and all of you! I will miss Mary calling out for Ricky and I will miss talking with Ricky about football! (Go Chiefs) You all have been such a pleasure to know and work with. Always know that your mother was an amazing woman and is loved and missed beyond measures. Thank you again from the Reminiscence neighborhood ❤️

Portrait by Betsy Rupprecht

Artists Oral History Archive

70 Plus: Chicago Visual Artist Oral History Archive:

Collected by Linda L. Kramer and Sandra Binion between 2010-13, these oral histories were donated to the Ryerson & Burnham Archives in 2013. According to Kramer, the artists received a list of questions before their interviews so that they had the opportunity to assemble factual material relating to their careers. Suggested topics included: academic study, family background, cultural influences, gallery affiliations, exhibitions, awards, artistic influences and the role of Chicago in their work and career. 

Kenna, Mary R.  [1:23:57]

https://artic.contentdm.oclc.…