Mary Margaret McKenney
Mary Margaret McKenney, 70, passed away early Saturday morning, December 3, 2016 after a nearly 7 year battle with cancer. Mary was born December 5, 1945 in Elgin, Illinois to Margaret and Alva Eugene McKenney. The middle of 3 children and sibling to (and survived by) Carol Erion and David McKenney (now deceased). Mary was also survived by three daughters, Carrie McGuire, Emily Wingate, Hannah Wingate and two grandsons, Quentin Bracken and Jack Maguire. Mary was survived by Bob Settle, whom she married on April 17, 2010, and two step-daughters. She was previously married to and survived by Byron L. Wingate from September 1968-1997.
Mary attended Ball State University and received her BA in Music Education in 1968. She became a music teacher right away and taught for nearly 40 years, twenty of which were at the Ronald S. Beasley School (the Lower School, MICDS). Mary also taught Art, Drama, and Woodworking for many years. Many seasonal and holiday concerts were organized, sung, and performed; a favorite of students, parents, and teachers alike was her rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, performed with Sign Language- another passion of hers. She also taught private piano and recorder lessons for many years.
Mary’s love for music didn’t stop at teaching. She was a part of many musical groups throughout her career. When she wasn’t teaching, she was rehearsing for or playing in groups. She was in several different Recorder Groups throughout the years, including an Early Music Band that played at different occasions like weddings, Renaissance Fairs, and parties. She played with the Westminster Consort. She founded and played in an Andean Flute Music group, “Karumanta”- a fun, colorful, musical explosion of song and celebration. After dreaming about it for years and retiring, she taught herself to play the Harp and eventually joined a group called, “Young at Harp”. Mary was an active member of both local and national American Orff Shulwerk Association. She also traveled with the Union Avenue Christian Church choir to Germany, Austria, and the British Isles.
In 2009, and again in 2014, Mary and her sister Carol got the chance to go to Assam, India to visit the church and school that had been set up in 1914 by their grandfather, George R. Kampfer. During these trips the sisters witnessed unbelievable beauty, kindness of strangers, and remarkable abilities and talents of the people of India. She even got to ride an elephant and a yak!
Mary was also very active in her church, Union Avenue Christian Church. The ever faithful daughter of a preacher, Mary continued the legacy of service to others. Always lending a hand, giving rides, volunteering to throw donuts at cars (it’s a thing- though much safer than it sounds), she was an asset to her church, and the larger community. Mary was a pro when it came to making people feel special. Always authentically inviting, she was there for those she had just met with the same capacity as for a friend she’s known for years. Mary was the epitome of love, compassion, and grace. Those who knew her truly knew and felt what it was like to be loved.
There will be a short service on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 3 pm followed by a Celebration of Life which will be full of love, music, and laughter. Please join us at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108.
It is important to Mary to make sure people know that anyone can get Lung Cancer, even non-smokers like herself. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lung Cancer Connection, an organization that is committed to organizing and funding community outreach programs supporting those affected by lung cancer in the St. Louis area. http://www.
My heart breaks at the loss of Mary. She was truly a gift from God.
After having known Mary for countless (40?) years, I am having trouble imagining my world without her. She has brought smiles. laughter, music and banners 🙂 into so many lives. We will miss her very much, but are so grateful for her lovely life. Above all, we are keeping Bob, Carrie, Emily and Hannah, as well as her whole family, in our thoughts and prayers, knowing the loss they feel. May their beautiful, loving memories always comfort them.
With love, Linda
What a beautifully written tribute to a beautiful life. Mary was loved by many and will never be forgotten. She, and her family, are now and forever in my heart and thoughts.
Marmee and her three little women. What an inspirational, wonderful and beautiful family. I love you all. Our planet has lost a magnanimous soul but she will be in my heart forever. Carrie, Emily and Hannah I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you for posting these lovely photos of Mary. I will miss her forever. (However, I will keep singing her songs and playing her whimsical tricks on people in her honor.) Sending you all love and hugs.
She brought laughter wherever she was. Met Mary in 7th grade at Plaza school but really got to know her from past class reunions. We had our special “girls only luncheons” and we would laugh so much and so loud we were worried we would be asked to leave. Will miss her but will carry her in my heart always!
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all and you have all been in my prayers. Much love to you, Erin