Margaret Tobin Kenefick, age 82, passed away peacefully at home, on March 3, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Margaret, fondly known as Margie to the vast community of people that knew and loved her, grew up in New Haven, along with her dear sister Anne Tobin Marnic.
After earning her degree in library science at Southern Connecticut State University, Margie wed James Gordon Kenefick, Jr., on June 29, 1957, and celebrated 60 years of marriage grounded in loving dedication to one another. The two traveled and lived in many parts of the country at the beginning of their marriage while James served in the Air Force, eventually settling in Guilford to raise their growing family. And grow it certainly did. Margie created a home full of warmth and care, opening her door and heart to all who crossed her path. Her sincerity and nurturing spirit are traits that those who knew her will forever strive to emulate.
She will be remembered as an avid reader and lover of her Irish heritage, but whose truest passion was her family. Margie is remembered as Mom to her six children, Thomas (Robin) Kenefick, Margot Kenefick Burkle, Paul and Cathy Applebaum, Edward (Marie) Kenefick, and Susan (Philip) Mahoney. She will forever be the loving Nana of her 16 grandchildren, Kaitlin (Alexandra), Lauren, Cara (Michael), Ryan, Patrick, Kierstin (Brian), Cathryn, Colleen, Christopher, Timothy, Tylor, Danielle, Caroline, Kristen, and James, along with her three great-grandchildren, Reghan, Kailyn, and Tobin. She is predeceased by her parents Genevieve Kinnare Tobin and John Francis Tobin, and grandson Kevin P. Burkle. Margie is survived by her husband, James Gordon Kenefick. Margie will continue to be held in the highest regard by her extended family and friends, especially sister Anne (Richard) Marnic, sister-in-law Margot Martin, cousin Thomas (Margaret) Casey, the Kinnare family, and Richard and Marcie Holland.
Although she dedicated her life to raising her family, she also volunteered extensively in the Guilford public schools and in activities in which her children were involved, and served as a substitute librarian in the Guilford public school system. She dedicated herself in her later years to caring for her grandchildren. She passed on her love of reading, bird watching, family vacations on Martha’s Vineyard, all things Ireland, and shell and sea glass collecting to her children and grandchildren. Margie was an active member of St. George parish in Guilford.
Her family will be forever grateful to the staff at Clelian Adult Day Center in Hamden, which provided immeasurable compassion and care for Margie in the last five years of her life.
Friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, March 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. George Church, Guilford, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 10. Burial will follow in St. George Cemetery, Hubbard Road, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Margie’s name be made to The Clelian Adult Day Center, 261 Benham St., Hamden, CT 06514. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
