Mary Catherine McKenney

MARBLEHEAD- Mary Catherine McKenney (Dugan), age 88 of Marblehead, passed away
peacefully on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Joseph Vincent McKenney
who predeceased her in December of 2003.
Born in Marblehead, MA, Mary was the daughter of the late George R. Dugan and Margaret C.
Dugan (Holmes). Mary was a true Marbleheader having been born at the Mary Alley Hospital on
March 1st, 1937, and was raised at 10 Maverick Ct. along with her older brothers James and
George. She attended Marblehead High School and participated in the Glee Club and the Baton
Twirling team. After graduating in 1955, Mary attended hairdressing school where she would
take the original Marblehead-Boston line into school from the National Grand Bank station. She
married Joseph V. McKenney on June 8th, 1957 and together they had two children, Margaret
and James.
Mary sold Avon for years, reaching Presidents Club numerous times with countless repeat
customers, many of which she became good friends with. She was also a member of both the
Red Hat Society and Marblehead Harbor Women's Club.
Mary was quite social and loved to go out to lunch with her "Gals" at Maddies, along with a
couple drinks served by her favorite bartender Chip. At the Marblehead Dunks', you could find
her at her favorite seat by the window almost every morning with her beloved church friends.
Listening to Johnny Cash, Elvis, and big band music would always get her feet stomping, hands
clapping, and a big smile on her face. She loved watching and rooting for the Patriots, wearing
her gear with pride. She was extremely proud and dedicated to her hometown and loved singing
her favorite song, Marblehead Forever. She was also fond of the saying "Whip, down bucket,
up for air!" a classic townie expression! The most prominent joy in her life was when she
became a grandmother and a great-grandmother.
Mary was devoted and very proud of her Protestant faith. Her lifelong friends she made at St.
Stephen's United Methodist Church became a second family to her, and she cherished each
and every one of them.
Mary is survived by her daughter Margaret Denis and her husband Matthew Denis (Marblehead,
MA), and her daughter-in-law Judy McKenney, wife of her late son James D. McKenney
(Marblehead, MA). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Nicholas Denis (Marblehead,
MA), Shannon Denis and fiancée Carlo Lovasco (Danvers, MA), Heather McKenney and
husband Drew Marquardt (Los Angeles, CA), Ariel Seckler and husband Jim (Burlington, MA),
and great-grandson, Joey Seckler. In addition, she is survived by her god children Heidi, Jonathan and Guy, along with many of her wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Saturday June 7th, 2025 at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 67 Cornell Road, Marblehead at 11:00 am. A reception will immediately follow the Church Celebration at the Gerry 5 VFA, 210 Beacon Street, Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 67 Cornell Road, Marblehead, in loving memory of Mary McKenney, fondly known as "Mother Mary" and "Mimi" by many who knew her.
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