Mary Kennedy

Mary Kennedy, 101, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away on May 13, 2023 at Brakeley Care Center.  Born on December 9, 1921 in Phillipsburg, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Svachak Sestak. 

She was employed as a sewing machine operator at Dee Gee Sportswear, retiring in 1982.  She was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School in 1939. Mary was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1943 to 1945 during World War II as a parachute rigger. She was a member of St. Peter & St. Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Phillipsburg. Mary loved going to the casinos in Atlantic City and Bethlehem.  She felt fortunate to have lived long enough to have enjoyed her grand and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Joan Smith, and her husband Ronald of Nazareth, Pa., Deborah Denney and her husband Steven of Eatonton, Ga., and her daughter-in law, Daria Kennedy of Bethlehem, Pa. Mary is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeffrey Smith and his wife Danielle, Ryan Smith and his wife Tanya Zvonchenko, Matthew Denney and his wife Elizabeth Hartman, Christopher Denney and Kayla Vath, Craig Kennedy, and Jessica Kennedy.  Great Grandchildren, Blake Smith, Kherington Smith, Brayden Smith, and Lukas Smith.

She is predeceased by her husband, Edward L. Kennedy, son, Edward J. Kennedy, sisters, Elizabeth Merlo, and Helen Wilson, and brother, Joseph Sestak.

Services and burial will be private.  The Finegan Funeral Home, Phillipsburg, NJ, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.