Published in the June 4, 2020 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Marie M. “Kiki” (Palmerino) Kenney, formally of Wakefield, Billerica, and Candia, N.H., passed away on April 24 after a courageous battle with the Wuhan Chinese Virus.
Wife of 50 years to the late James Kenney. Daughter of the late Michael and Jeanne Palmerino. Loving mother of her sons John Kenney, Scott Kenney and his wife Nancy of Billerica, James Kenney Jr. and his wife Dawn of Wakefield, and her daughter Debbie Kenney of Reading. Sister to Esther P. Seip of Reading, Patricia A. Egan and Michael A. Palmerino Jr. of Wakefield, John M. Palmerino of Farmington, N.H., the late Anthony J. (Sonny) Palmerino and Jean Lorraine Kimball. Grandmother to Janelle, Dilan, Brett, Brendan, Evan, Jamison, and Sean Kenney.
Marie traveled with Jim, her husband of 50 years, and their family throughout the Continental U.S. on many vacations, also taking time to get away internationally on a trip or two by themselves.
Kiki, as she was known by siblings, family, and close friends, worked many years for Stouffer Bedford Glen Hotel in Bedford, Mass., winning multiple awards for outstanding customer service. She also met many famous people which she loved, including Chi Chi Rodriguez.
Marie graduated from Wakefield High at the top of her class. Residing in assisted living for most of her recent years, she loved to sing and listen to music from her era and later, never missing a performance. She would always be bashful when a DJ came to her with a microphone, but every time she would sing the lyrics with a big smile. The DJs could always count on her enjoying the attention. Everyone that dealt with Marie so enjoyed her outgoing and pleasant personality. Something we will all miss.
A brief graveside service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield on Friday. A celebration of life will follow at some point in the near future.
