Dennis Funeral Homes

Born December 15, 1923 in Waseca, MN; died March 1, 2010 in Nashville, TN after a long illness. She earned a Bachelor's degree in music from Smith College. After graduation, she worked for a music educational publisher in New York City, the Department of Surgery, U. of MN School of Medicine, and was office manager for her husband's medical practice in Palo Alto, CA. A talented and instinctual musician and pianist, she nurtured in her children an enduring love of music. An avid reader with a lifelong passion for history, she had a sparkling intellect and a delightful sense of humor.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, William T. McKenna, M.D. of Palo Alto, CA, her sister Nancy Ward Foster of Roseville, MN, her children Sarah Broadbent (William) of Sunnyvale, CA, Anne T. McKenna (David Kellett) of Upper Montclair, NJ, Samuel J. McKenna, D.D.S., M.D. (Elaine) of Nashville, Wendy C. Holly (Gregory) of Mahtomedi, MN, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emerson Cole Ward and Vera Lutz Ward of Waseca, and infant son William Percy McKenna.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The American Red Cross.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca with Father Henry Doyle officiating.  Private burial will be at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.