Marie D. Kenyon, 93, died March 10, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by her children. She was the wife of the late Joseph P. Kenyon, Sr., the daughter of the late Tannous and Josephine (Moses) Daher and the sister of the late Reverend Joseph, Beshara and Moussa Daher.
Marie was born on May 1, 1925 in Jbeil, Lebanon. She was schooled at the Frere Marist in Damascus.
In 1950, Joseph Kenyon Sr. travelled to Lebanon with his father, Peter, to visit family and friends. During this visit, he was introduced to the love of his life, Marie. Joseph warmly described his first impression of Marie as his “rose in the desert”.
Marie and Joseph were married in September of 1950 in Arz, Lebanon, a marriage that would last for 64 wonderful years. Shortly after arriving to the United States, Marie became an American citizen. Though she loved and embraced her new home, she never forgot her beloved Lebanon.
Before her family began to grow and then after her children had grown, she served as a seamstress for Best Manufacturing Company for many years, and worked as a sales associate for Arlans Department Store.
Although Marie worked, her priority was always God and family. Deeply religious, Marie was a parishioner of Our Lady of Purgatory Maronite Catholic Church in New Bedford, along with her husband and growing family. She was also a member of the Saint Joseph Sodality. Marie and Joseph worked as a team in raising their seven children with family values that were faith-based. Marie diligently served God through her dedication and care of her family, friends and the community.
Marie’s hospitality and compassion included hosting mercy meals at her home for those who lost loved ones. She always prepared sumptuous Lebanese and Middle Eastern foods for her family and for those who visited her home.
When Marie could, she travelled. She and Joseph went on several road trips from New Bedford to California, Nevada and Florida to visit her sons and family. Marie and Joseph also made several trips to Lebanon to visit family and friends.
Marie is survived by her sons Peter and Anthony of New Bedford, Gerard and his wife Jeanne of Anaheim, CA, and Joseph and his wife Linda of Live Oak, CA; her daughters Josephine Mansour and her husband Robert of East Providence, RI, Diane LeBlanc and her husband Michael of New Bedford, and Marie McLaughlin and her husband Sean of Plymouth; and her grandchildren (the joys of her life) Joseph, Keira Marie, and Nicholas.
She was the sister-in-law of Louis Kenyon of Fairhaven, Marion Mahoney of Atlantic Beach, FL, and Sally Kenyon of Wareham. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great nieces in Lebanon and in the United States.
Sincere thanks are extended to Gina Marabuto, Joyce Gonsalves, and Shana Pacheco for the kindness and love they extended to Marie. They cared for her with dignity and grace as Marie deserved. Marie greatly appreciated their friendship and companionship.
Her Funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 19th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by the Divine Liturgy in Our Lady of Purgatory Maronite Catholic Church, 11 Franklin Street, New Bedford, MA at 10 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday, March 18th from 4-8 PM.