Mary L. Kennedy, age 90, passed away on March 1, 2026, in Chelsea, Michigan. She was born on January 20, 1936, in Paducah, Kentucky, to Kenneth and Charlotte (Hogan) Medley.
Mary lived in Munith, Michigan, for over sixty years. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and cooking. She worked as a school bus driver for the Stockbridge School District and took pride in caring for the children she transported each day. The most meaningful part of Mary’s 90 years of life was loving her family and friends. She always made sure everyone had everything they needed — along with a snack. She was one of seven children (six girls and one boy) born in Paducah, Kentucky. She graduated from Jackson High School with honors in science.
Mary met her husband Arlyn Kennedy on a blind date through a friend, and they married six months later. They were together for 54 years. During their 22 years in the Navy, they traveled to the East Coast, West Coast, and Hawaii before eventually settling in Michigan to be close to family.
Mary and her husband were blessed with three children. Through her children's marriages they welcomed three more children. She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She especially loved family taco dinners and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Her love, care, and passion for her family will never be forgotten. Mary lived a long, wonderful, and full life with many experiences, loving family members, and very close friends. She was an example of kindness, grace, compassion, and gratitude throughout her life.
She is survived by her children: Tom and Mary Kennedy of Leslie, Michigan, Rod and Dawn Kennedy of Arizona, and Jodi and Brian Stanfield (Kennedy) of Gregory, Michigan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Emily and Bryan Martin, Adam and Jill Small, Ella, Claire, Austin, Justin, Kyle and Christine Kennedy, and Katelyn Easley. Her great-grandchildren include William, Alexander, Sebastian, Hazel, Cash, Maezy, and Teagan. She is also survived by her sisters: Linda Moody of Arizona, Dorothy Allen of Jackson, Michigan, and Jean Kipp of East Lansing, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlyn Kennedy; her parents, Kenneth and Charlotte Medley; and three of her siblings, Joyce Carson (Medley), Dale Medley, and Doris Worden (Medley).
A private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority ( SAESA).
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.
