Mary “Marylou” Louise Kennard

Mary Louise “Marylou” (Gawinski) Kennard, of Rising Sun, MD, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her cherished log cabin. She was 92 years old.

Born on January 10, 1933, in Wilmington, DE, Marylou was the beloved daughter of the late Stanley and Julia (Plajstek) Gawinski. She grew up in a large close-knit community that instilled in her the values of compassion, perseverance, and service to others.

Marylou graduated from The Memorial Hospital School of Nursing of Wilmington in December 1954, and continued her career at Union Hospital and Calvert Manor Nursing Home. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her career in nursing—she and her devoted husband, Robert, opened their hearts and home to foster many children over the years, creating a legacy of love and kindness.

A woman of many talents and passions, Marylou found joy in the simple beauty of life. She enjoyed oil painting, delighted in tending to her flower gardens, needlepointing intricate designs, reading light mystery novels, and completing crossword puzzles. She loved birdwatching from her deck. Marylou was also known to collect antiques with an eye for charm and history.

Fridays held a special place in Marylou’s heart—her weekly “happy hour” was a treasured ritual when she would unwind with a glass of wine and connect with family members over long phone calls, sharing stories, laughter, and love. She especially enjoyed going on scenic car rides with her family, often choosing the long way home just to spend more time together.

Marylou’s sense of style and humor was as memorable as her warmth; her family will always remember her elegance, grace, and the thoughtful way she presented herself to the world. Her greatest joy was her family, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments, milestones, and everyday moments.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura A. Sadowski and her husband, Frank, of Portland, OR; three sons: Stephen D. Kennard and his wife, Mary, of Elkton, MD; Jeffrey S. Kennard and his wife, Ruth, of Rising Sun, MD; and Thomas A. Kennard and his wife, Virginia, of Snohomish, WA. She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Keith Sadowski, Alison Sadowski, Craig Sadowski, Rachel (Kennard) DeMaio, Emily (Kennard) Stinson, Meghan Kennard, and Jeffrey Kennard Jr., Jacque (Kennard) Richards, Tyler Kennard, Colin Kennard; 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Marylou is also survived by her brother, William Gawinski of Newark, DE, and her sister, Ann McGuiness of Glen Mills, PA.

In addition to her parents, Marylou was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert D. Kennard, and 3 great-grandchildren. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and enduring love.

A celebration of Marylou’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Amedisys Hospice and sent in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.

Marylou’s gentle spirit, generous heart, and vibrant presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.