Mary A. McKenzie, 88

Mary A. McKenzie, 88, of Kellogg, passed away July 10, 2014, at the family home in Kellogg. She was born Jan. 9, 1926, in Kellogg; Mary was the daughter of James and Filomena (Mandoli) Pucci.

Mary attended and graduated from Kellogg High School in 1944; she then furthered her education at North Idaho College and the University of Idaho, where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education.

Mary married Virgil E. McKenzie on Nov. 30, 1944, in Kellogg; Virgil preceded Mary in death on Nov. 15, 2011.

Mary had served as an elementary school teacher, but had mainly taught at Kellogg Junior High School for twenty-eight years.

Mary was a member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg, a member of the Catholic Daughters, and was a local photographer for the Catholic Register. She was also a member of the Kellogg Lady Elks and had helped to organize the Kellogg Elks Queen Contest for many years. With the help of Becky Stein, they formed the local chapter of the Red Hat Ladies; within this group, Mary was affectionately known as the Queen Mum. Mary had also helped at the Free Clinic and had served as a trustee for St. Vincent DePaul.

Mary loved and enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling and was an avid Gonzaga fan. Virgil and Mary loved camping in their R.V. and fishing on the North Fork.

Mary is survived by one son, Dennis McKenzie of Kellogg; one daughter, Annita McKenzie of Kellogg; one great-grandchild, Tristin Bosworth of Lakeview, Colo.; she is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Virgil McKenzie, one grandson Dean Bosworth and five brothers and sisters.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at 4 p.m. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. A reception/luncheon will be held in the Church Parish Hall following services.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Mary McKenzie Education Foundation at the Panhandle State Bank of Kellogg; this foundation will honor graduating seniors of Kellogg High School who wish to pursue the field of education with scholarships.

Please sign Mary’s on-line guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.