Belvadene Eileen McKenny, 93, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at Sunrise Cottages Friday, Nov. 4, 2011.
A lifelong resident of the area, "Bel" was born Aug. 9, 1918, in Rochester, to Louis and Mildred Predmore. She graduated from Eyota High School in 1935, and at the age of 18 she began working in the X-ray Department of Mayo Clinic, where she was employed for nine years. On Nov. 13, 1944, Bel married Ray McKenny in Russell, Kan., making their home in Rochester after his return from service in World War II. They were married 56 years until his death in 2001.
While raising a family she spent her time volunteering with a Rosary Group at St. Francis Church, and at the Saint Marys Hospital Gift Shop.
Bel is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray; son, Jim; and her three younger brothers, Galen, Donald and Clayton.
She is survived by her daughter, Ann (Nick) Rowley of Clovis, N.M.; sons, Dick McKenny of Apple Valley and Chuck (Sally) McKenny of Rochester; and a daughter-in-law, Terri McKenny of Amarillo, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrea, Alexia, Melissa, Kimberly, Julie, Matthew, Sarah, James, Ryan, Shelbi and Caroline; and 11 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Katie, David, Max, Emily, Jessica, Jack, Brody, Reece, Adalyn and Paisley.
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A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, with Father Mark McNea officiating. Interment will be in Marion Cemetery.
A visitation will be held at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Macken Funeral Home in Rochester is handing the arrangements.
