Marjorie Kennard's Life Remembered Fondly After More Than 100 Years Of Sharing Joy And Love

Marjorie Ellen Kennard (née Shea) August 10, 1925 - June 4, 2026

Obituary provided by Conte Funeral Home.

After some childhood mishaps (her 1st memory - a bee sting at 3; pigtails being surreptitiously dipped in ink by an ‘admirer’ in grade school; TV not invented yet…) Marjorie Kennard hit her stride, leading a full and joyous life for over a century. On June 4, 2026, Marjorie Ellen Kennard (née Shea), 100, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, decorated volunteer, and chocoholic, died peacefully at Edgewood Retirement Community in North Andover, MA.

Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, and raised in Turners Falls, Marge fondly recalled an idyllic childhood along with her parents, Margaret and Edward, and 2 older beloved brothers, Edward and Robert. She blossomed in high school: winning numerous oration and writing contests; starring in the school plays; being voted Most Popular and Most Likely to Succeed; before ultimately graduating Valedictorian of her class.

In 1943, she enrolled in Jackson College (now Tufts University), graduating with a BA in English in just 3 years. On a blind date to a sorority dance, Marjorie met the love of her life and future husband, Ensign George Kennard (note in dance card: he is funny!). After graduating, she taught high school in Springfield, MA.

After George finished his military service, they were married on July 26, 1947, and moved to Endicott, N.Y. Money was tight, and needing a car, Marge worked as a secretary before starting a family. She soon had her hands full with 3 children – Mark, Paul, and Gail – whom she raised while George frequently traveled for his new life-long career with a fledgling IBM. They briefly relocated to Bethesda, MD, where they attended President Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball, before they were again relocated to Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. (and Marge recalled: “IBM – I’ve Been Moved!”)

During their 34 years in Briarcliff, they formed deep friendships that lasted a lifetime, and in 1964 had their 4th child Kate. Marge became an avid tennis and paddle player and was a frequent winner of multiple championships at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. (She continued to enjoy tennis well into her 80s!) She regularly performed with the noted Hudson Bells women’s choral group, and summers with the family were spent on Cape Cod, where she was often found body surfing with her children, and later grandchildren.

Tragedy struck the family as Katie, at two years old, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. Marjorie’s life was always rich in her Catholic faith and her character was forged by resilience learned from living through the Depression and World War II. That tenacious spirit was never more needed than when her youngest child Kate died in 1981 at the age of 17. Marjorie regrouped, and dedicated herself to volunteering at the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at the Westchester Medical Center. She considered this the most important work of her life, and was honored as Volunteer of the Year.

Later, Marge and George moved to Wellesley, MA, to be closer to family (and the Cape!), and eventually resettled at the Edgewood Retirement Community in North Andover, MA, in 2010. After 68+ years of marriage, George sadly passed on St. Patrick’s Day in 2015. In addition to her predeceased daughter Kate, Marjorie is survived by her 3 remaining children Mark (Chris) Kennard, Paul (Jennifer) Kennard, and Gail (Victor) Hernandez. Additionally, she is survived by her 5 grandchildren, Teha, Seth, Tobi, Megan, and Jennifer; and her 9 great-grandchildren, Jack, Ella, Charlotte, Naya, Rayna, Felix, Hugo, Theodore, and Henrietta.

Marjorie held her family together with faith, wit, loyalty, resilience, and kindness. She was beloved by her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren—all of whom were frequent visitors at Edgewood, along with her nieces and nephew. Her family would particularly like to thank the staff and aides at the Edgewood Meadows facility for the love, kindness, and service they provided to Marjorie over the past 2 years.

Lastly, Marjorie had a few small ‘vices’. She adored chocolate of any kind, and at 5 o’clock on the dot (especially as a centenarian), she savored a Jack Daniel’s and ginger ale. If you find yourself in a quiet moment, around 5, pour yourself a drink and toast to Marjorie Shea Kennard—to a life well lived and well loved.

A Memorial Mass and reception will be held for family and friends at a later date, in North Andover, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF): cff.org/donate.

To offer online condolences and for updates (as they become available) for Marjorie’s services please visit contefuneralhomes.com