Mary Ann Feeney

Mary Ann Mulkerin Feeney was born November 7, 1924 to Bridget Delia Folan and Patrick Joseph Mulkerin. She is preceded in death by her younger brothers and sisters: Patrick, Theresa, Morgan, Winnie, Ann, Coley and Philomena. She is survived by Bridget Feeney and Marcus Mulkerin, children and their spouses- AnnMarie Peterson and Richard, Michael, Patrick and Ilah and Una. She is Momo to Maureen, Erin/Ethan, Morgan, Hannah, Sarah/Daniel, Brenda. And is Momo Mor to Maeve Jean and Tallulah Lynn.

Mary was raised in Carna, County Galway, Ireland. She attended Mount Mellick College then followed her dream to pursue a career in nursing. She attended the Bury School of Nursing in Bury, England and specialized as a Midwife. Her education was compounded by the bombing of London and the throes of war in Europe. Following her schooling she returned to Ireland whereupon her brother Patrick sent her passage to America to join himself, Theresa and Dado. She may have left Ireland, but Ireland never left her.

The whole family was reunited in Boston where a new chapter unfolded. Mary met Michael Feeney at an Irish dance sponsored by their local parish. They wed March 8, 1951 a week before Michael was shipped to the Korean conflict as a Medic in the US Army. They soon brought into the world AnnMarie, Michael, Patrick and Una. In 1960 the Feeney’s  once again migrated and left the clan in Boston and moved to Southern California. Mary was hired at St. Joseph Hospital where she ministered in the maternity department for 39 years.

Mary enjoyed so many activities in life including being a Eucharistic Minister, Well Baby volunteer, knitting, backpacking, reading, gardening, and traveling. She visited Russia, Poland, East Germany and Mainland China before the Iron and Bamboo curtains were lifted, she backpacked the John Muir trail, drove cross country numerous times stopping at every National Park along the way and not getting a speeding ticket!

Mary was a great listener, one whom others sought out for advice and counsel; she was our go to person in times of sorrow and joy. She encouraged each generation of the clan to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. She shared her tea and her wisdom, her sense of adventure and sense of humor. She was imbued with the grace of the Holy Spirit and stood firm in her Catholic faith and her relationship with the Divine and Our Lady. A very holy, loving and wise woman of faith indeed.

A huge hole is in our hearts with her death, yet it is filled with marvelous memories and stories. With the grace of God, Mary is and will be always present in our lives. 

Seek Peace and Pursue it.

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