Lois Kenna

Lois Kenna (Davis) passed peacefully onto the next life in the early hours of August 19, 2024. Born in Oak Hill, Ohio, on March 3, 1924, she lived to age 100, much to her amazement! Her mental sharpness was still astounding even as her body slowly wore out. 

In 1952, she moved out to dry, beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her fiancé, Gerald Kenna, and got married at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. While raising 6 children, she enjoyed working as a full-time bookkeeper at various local businesses, which in the 1960’s and 1970’s was not a common occurrence. Later in life, she started her own bookkeeping business and worked out of her home helping her loved clients into her 90’s. 

Mom was a resilient woman who taught us by example that you carry on through tough times, even when it’s rough going. Strong, smart, and stubborn are words often used by those who knew and loved her, although her warm heart and caring, kind nature stood out above all else. She gave much of herself in so many ways (i.e., time, resources, place to live, shoulder to cry on, a listening ear who always cared, spending the night watching over us during hospital stints, etc.) her whole life. Our elderly neighbors were visited and helped by her as well. She loved her immediate and extended family strongly, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Praying was an ongoing exercise for her, and we now have our own sweet angel looking out for us all. 

For many years, the family had a pop-up camper, which Mom would pack and tend to before camping trips around the state and southern Colorado. She loved getting out in nature. Also very important to her was her Catholic faith. Raised Presbyterian, she converted when she married Dad. For decades, they were members of Holy Ghost Church where we all attended grade school. She was adamant and strong in her opinions on faith issues! After Dad died in August 1990, she continued working. As a child of the Depression, she believed in working hard and was benevolent with her heart and money. Her major form of relaxation was reading—she was reading her Kindle up until her passing. Politics, too, interested her greatly. She really wanted to see the first woman president! 

She is predeceased by her parents, two sisters, one brother, and husband, Jerry. She is survived by her 6 children: Patricia Davis Baca, Albuquerque, NM; Theresa Bourne (Dave), Albuquerque, NM; Tom Kenna, Long Island, NY; Mike Kenna (Lisa), Mesa, AZ; Joe Kenna, Tucson, AZ; and John Kenna (Sherry), Albuquerque, NM. She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandbaby girl. Her passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts and lives, but we are so very thankful to have had her for over 100 years. 

A private family graveside service will occur at some time in the future. In lieu of flowers, if you’d like, please give to Catholic Charities of Central New Mexico, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.