Mary Nell Kennedy Symons July 7, 1927 - May 30, 2025 With

Mary Nell Kennedy Symons July 7, 1927 - May 30, 2025 With grace and style, Mary Nell Kennedy Symons, known to those closest to her as Mimi, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love. Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husbands and leaves in grief her children, David (Sheila), Jennifer (John), and Dan (Monica), her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins, and a wide circle of friends whose lives were brightened by her presence. Mary was born to Dave and Ella Kennedy on the seventh day of the seventh month in 1927 in the small rural town of Atlanta, Texas. She had two older siblings, brother David and sister Jerline. Bright and ambitious, she graduated high school at just 16 and pursued college and one year of nursing studies. In 1946, Mary met and married Sam Johnson, an Army officer; their life together took them to Germany, where their first son David was born, and later to California, where they raised their three children. After Sam's untimely death in 1969, Mary showed great resilience, entering the professional world to support her family. Mary found her calling in fashion, working at the prestigious I. Magnin department store in Los Angeles. With her distinctive sense of style and personal warmth, she helped countless clients, later continuing her work independently as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant. She had a natural elegance, her flair for fashion simply part of who she was. In 1976, Mary married Merlyn Symons, a retired Navy pilot. Ever adventurous, she learned to fly and soloed a Cessna in 1978. Following her divorce, Mary moved to New Mexico, where all three of her children had settled. She quickly joined the Duke City Bridge Club in Albuquerque and earned the rank of Silver Life Master. The club introduced her to Pete Manylyk and they wed in 2011; he passed away in 2016. Those were very happy years for them both. Mary lived a vibrant life and found further fulfillment in her faith, attending St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. She also volunteered at Presbyterian Hospice for many years and was known as "Mary, the Flower Lady", arranging donated flowers to brighten patients' hearts. Her family was always her greatest source of joy and pride. You were always invited to join Mary for her beloved 5 o'clock cocktail hour; the children got ice cream. She hosted countless gatherings with family and friends for every occasion. Mary expressed gratitude often, living with a deep sense of how lucky and blessed she felt. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to her caregivers and the staffs of Presbyterian's Complete Care and Hospice Care for their dedication to her well-being at the end of her life. Contact the family for information about plans for a celebration of Mary's life. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to a cause important to you. In her honor, give someone a warm and friendly smile and express gratitude for their presence in your life.