Mary E. Kenefick - Obituary

ary Beth Kenefick died peacefully on February 20, 2025, at the Regency Park Memory Care Center in Gambrills, MD. Born on September 7, 1947, in Washington, D.C., to Helen Payne Richardson and Dr. Francis Xavier Richardson, Mary Beth attended St. Michael’s Catholic School in Silver Spring before graduating from Einstein High School in Kensington in 1965. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art in 1981. At 40, she embarked on a distinguished federal career, beginning with an internship at the General Services Administration. Her commitment and expertise led her to pivotal roles at the Department of Commerce and the National Weather Service headquarters at NOAA in Silver Spring, where she contributed meaningfully to public service until her retirement in 2010. After a fulfilling career, Mary Beth faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with the same grace and courage that marked her entire life. Her move from Montgomery County to Annapolis in 1986 was a dream realized—a chance to embrace the serene beauty of life on the Chesapeake Bay and create cherished memories with her family. Mary Beth is lovingly survived by her husband of 58 years, Greg Kenefick; her son, Patrick Kenefick (Marnie); her daughters, Lisa Anne Gebbia (Tony) and Tara Janine Landis (Bob); and her seven grandchildren. She was the last surviving sibling among five Richardson offspring. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings: Patricia Anne Wiggins, Francis Xavier “Buddy” Richardson, James Michael Richardson, and Gerald Thomas Richardson. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the coming weeks as family and friends gather to honor Mary Beth’s extraordinary journey and the legacy of love and resilience she leaves behind. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.