Mary Kay McKenna Dionne—9/28/2016

Mary Kay McKenna Dionne, age 56, of Lansdale, died September 28, 2016.  She was the beloved husband of 32 years of James A. Dionne. Born in Valley Township in Chester County, she was the daughter of the late John Joseph McKenna, Jr. and Doris Ann McKenna of Normandy Farms Estates.

She attended Plymouth-Whitmarsh High School, class of 1977, and West Chester University, class of 1981.

Mary Kay was a dedicated reading teacher at Oak Park Elementary School, which is part of the North Penn School District, and worked as a tutor outside of school.  In her free time she ran both a scholarship program for North Penn High School and a children’s soccer tournament to raise money for breast cancer research.  She was a proud Boston College parent.

Mary Kay enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking healthy food.  Her favorite activity, however, was spending time at the beach with her beloved family.

She was a devoted member of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her loving son Benjamin John Dionne and his wife Kathleen of Boston, her loving daughter Madlyn Anne Dionne of New York City, her brother Kevin McKenna of Michigan, her sisters Louann Moos of Lansdale, Judy Pecharo of Plymouth Meeting, Christine Lightfoot, also of Lansdale, and many nieces and nephews whom Mary Kay held near and dear to her heart.

Mary Kay always had a twinkle in her eye and will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Rd, North Wales (in Montgomery Twp), PA 19454, where the family will receive friends from 9:45 to 10:45 AM prior to Mass. Interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Dionne’s name to the Reading is Fundamental organization.  Donations can be mailed to Reading is Fundamental, attn: donation processing, 1730 Rhode Island Ave NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036 or online at www.rif.org/donate. Arrangements are by Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home in Lansdale.

12 thoughts on “Mary Kay McKenna Dionne—9/28/2016

  1. I was truly blessed the day Mary Kay accepted my parents invitation to be my Godmother. We couldn’t have known on that day that I would need Mary Kay as much as I did in the next 20 years, but God did. She was my mentor, my role model, my friend, my aunt and godmother to my son. The wisdom and love she gave to me is something I will be thankful for all the days of my life. She taught me how fight for those who were struggling, to find joy in the most difficult situations, love deeply no matter what the cost, trust God in all things and to find and soak in the great beauty of this world. I will spend the rest of my life working to be the person she so lovingly challenged me to be. Isaac will always think of you when we see fireflies. 🙂

  2. A bright light went out in all of our worlds when MaryKay left us. She was one of the most wonderful and sweet friends and roommates I will ever have. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. I will miss her dearly.
    Love, Karen Appleton
    PS. I am unable to make it to the funeral having just had a full knee repkacemt 4 days ago but I truly wish I could be there.

  3. I am deeply and forever blessed to hold the honor of being Mary Kay’s sister. As such, I was the recipient of her love and humor all the days of my life, as were my children all the days of their lives. Our sorrow is great but our joy from her gifts is endless.

  4. I worked with Mary Kay many years ago. Though it’s been a very long time since I’ve seen her, her smile, laughter, and her wonderful sense of humor are still very clear in my memory. My condolences to the Dionne and McKenna families.

  5. piccola Maddy! ti abbraccio stretta stretta. ricordati che la tua Mamma ti ha regalato un dolcissimo sorriso pieno di gioia. continua a cercarlo per regalarlo ancora a tutti noi: ne abbiamo tanto bisogno. possa la tua Mamma riposare in pace e possano gli angeli tenerla per mano lungo le vie della luce e del paradiso.

  6. My cousin Mary Kay was beautiful inside and out. She had so much courage! Love and miss you! Know your in a better place and with your father again! Geri Baumann and family💞

  7. I cannot even begin to express how saddened I am of this news. Mary Kay was my best friend and roommate during our college years and although we lost touch over the years I have always cherished the memories that we shared. What a beautiful person that was taken way too soon. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  8. Mary Kay was a wonderful person , who kept the spirit of Christmas in everyone- family, friends, and neighbors. She will be missed, and always thought of with the fondest of memories.

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