Mary Lynn Kennedy, 82, a resident of Willow Ave in Fayetteville, Arkansas, since 1967, took her last breath in the early morning hours of August 19, 2023, surrounded by her children and family. Mary grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and graduated from the University of Dayton, where she met her husband of 54 years, Thomas Cummins Kennedy. She went on to work professionally as a writer and editor, retiring from Arkansas Archeological Survey after more than three decades.

Mary Lynn had an eye for art and architecture and was an excellent cook.  Throughout her life, Mary Lynn had a serious reading habit averaging five mystery novels a week the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette / Northwest Arkansas Times, the New York Review of Books, the New Yorker, Mother Jones, Commonweal, and many other online magazines.  She kept the Fayetteville Public Library busy reading all the well-reviewed books, biographies, and nonfiction on the shelves.  She was even known to download obscure novels the library couldn’t provide. This habit helped keep her sharp as a whip. She enjoyed discussion and loved to win an argument, earning her the sobriquet Mary, Mary quite contrary.

Mary Lynn avidly supported women’s, civil, and human rights. She volunteered with the League of Women Voters when the first voting machines were introduced in Washington County, at the Yvonne Richardson Center, tutoring children in reading, and later at Meals on Wheels.  She believed in standing up for the vulnerable, giving hospitality to all, and making the world a little easier place for everyone.

Mary Lynn was a fierce friend, mother, and sister. She was a devoted wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She defended those she loved with strength one could hardly believe possible for a 5ft, 95lb woman. She was there for people when they needed her and was generous with her time, care, and opinions. She loved many children along the way and took great joy in babies. Her grandchildren remember her for her sharp wit, unflagging support, and all the adventures she took them on through woods, beaches, lakes, cities, and even over the Brooklyn Bridge.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Thomas C Kennedy; her parents Hugo and Helen Goecke; and her brother Micheal Goecke. She leaves behind her children, Maura Kennedy Anaya (Tony) of Athens, Ohio, and Dr. Paddy Kennedy (Alison) of Baltimore, Maryland, Eamon Kennedy, Caitlin Kennedy, of Fayetteville and Ryan Guyton of Springdale; her grandchildren Adlynn Anaya, Thomas Anaya, Jennie Kennedy (Ian Hamilton), Mateo Anaya (Mallie Curry), Anna Guyton, Jared Kennedy, Harry Kennedy, and Ian Kennedy; her great-grandson Timbre Kennedy; her siblings, Karin Gilbert (Hugh), Jim Goecke of Dayton, Ohio, Susie Mueller (Steve) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kris Mayes (Bob) of Fayetteville, AR, Teresa Scarborough (Jim, Jessie, Jamie ) of Elkins, AR, and Jane Goecke of New Richmond, OH; her brother-in-Law Harry Kennedy (Sang) of Fresno CA; and countless friends, neighbors and loved ones whom she loved unconditionally.

During her final illness, she wrote: “I have lived a complete life. I have loved and been loved. My children are grown. I have seen my grandchildren born and beginning their lives. What joy they have given me. I hope they will remember me as funny. My great-grandson has been an unforeseen bonus.”We love you, Mom, and hope to carry your love and support to the generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lois Bryant c/o Lincoln School Memorial Plaque, PO Box 793 Fayetteville, AR 72702. Mary Lynn felt strongly that a historical marker to commemorate the Lincoln School, South Willow Ave, was important so future generations are reminded never to forget or repeat the history of segregation and oppression in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

A celebration of life will be held in November, the exact date to be announced.

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.