Mary Ann Hennessy

Mary Ann Hennessy (94), May 3, 1931-October 19, 2025
Mary was born in a small farming town in Minnesota, the only girl among four siblings. Raised alongside her three brothers-in a family who treated her with deep love and respect-Mary grew up during a time when girls' roles were typically firmly set. She often recalled waiting for the school bus in her required skirt throughout the windy, snowy Minnesota winter as the boys wore pants.
After graduating high school, she left the farm, determined to escape the cold. At age 21, she met and married Donald Hennessy in Denver, Colorado, moved to California, and together they raised three children. Mary was a devoted and kind mother.
Over her life, Mary developed a strong sense of the capabilities of women and girls. Like many women of her era, she initially deferred to her husband in most things. But in her 50s, Mary began to fully step into her own. She trained with Winchell's and became a skilled baker and developed the expertise necessary to run a business. In November 1984, Mary took a bold step and purchased her own business in Santee. At the time, the sellers refused to sell to a woman, so the paperwork was done in Don's name.
The shop had a loyal, family-oriented following. When Mary became the new owner, customers felt it should reflect her presence-the name needed to change, and it should be hers! And so, at their insistence, the shop was renamed Mary's Donuts, cementing her place not only as the heart of the business but eventually as a respected fixture in the community.
The business flourished under Mary's leadership, becoming a cornerstone of the community over the course of four decades. As the years passed, Mary herself became something of a local icon-known not just for her dedication to her work, but for the warmth and connection she shared with everyone who walked through her doors. She took great joy in running her own business and built lasting relationships with both customers and employees. In her signature style, she began taking photos of frequent customers and happily displaying them on the shop's walls, enhancing the sense of family and community.
In 2015/2016, after losing the lease on her longtime Mission Gorge location, Mary faced a daunting transition. But with the steadfast support of family and friends, she relocated the business to its current home beside GTM on Carlton Oaks. For the past nine years, her beloved granddaughter, Kelly, has managed the shop-carrying on Mary's legacy with the same competence, wisdom, and commitment. Upon Mary's passing, Kelly became the new owner, ensuring that her grandmother's spirit and vision continue to thrive.
Mary began each day with floor exercises, a lifelong habit. Until her final illness, she attended fitness classes five-six days a week at the El Cajon and La Mesa 24 Hour Fitness centers. She cherished those communities and credited her strong heart and long, healthy life to regular exercise.
Mary possessed a deep emotional intelligence and an unwavering compassion for others. She had a rare gift for knowing when to step in and how to help-offering support without overstepping, seeking to encourage independence and growth. Whether quietly covering the cost of a surgery, hiring legal help, or offering a timely loan, Mary's generosity was both practical and profound. Her kindness was deeply rooted, and it inspired lasting loyalty from all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Mary's husband died in 2017; brothers who preceded Mary Hennessy in death were Sheldon (Lorraine), Jack, and Burt (Rosie) Churchill. She is survived by her three children, Susan Means (Steve Means), Carol Hennessy (former spouse John Reiman), and Dr. Mark Hennessy (Juliet Hennessy), and grandchildren: Seth Georgian, Blake Hennessy, Nathan Reiman (Emma Sackinger Reiman), Kayla Reiman, Dr. Kerry Hennessy, Kelly Hennessy, sister-in-law Josie Churchill, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held on November 15, at the Santee Civic Center at 2:00pm. All are welcome to attend and share in remembering a remarkable person.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to San Diego Promise - a fund for free community college: https://www.sdccd.edu/departments/development/promise/index.aspx