Mary Pauline (nee Vitale) Kinney, 79, of Muskego, Wisconsin went home to be with The Lord on October 28, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of friends and family in her last days. Her sweet soul is resting peacefully and her body has been made whole once again.

Mary was born on August 24, 1947 to her mother, Grace (nee Ferrante) and father Joseph "Joe" and into a large, close-knit extended family in the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison, Wisconsin. As the oldest of her generation, she became caretaker and babysitter to her many younger cousins and thrived in the role. She spent time working in her parents' diner, The Nibble Nook on East Washington Avenue, where she learned how to serve others. She graduated from La Follette High School in 1965.

Mary met and married her husband of 58 years, Patrick "Pat" Kinney in 1968. She studied Nursing at Madison Area Technical College, became a Licensed Practical Nurse, and worked at Madison's Central Colony, caring for developmentally disabled children until her own children were born.

Mary facilitated her family's many moves throughout the Midwest while Pat pursued his career with JC Penny. From Madison to Janesville, Janesville to Greendale, Greendale to Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids to Bettendorf, and Bettendorf back to Greendale, Mary lovingly and thoughtfully made each new house a home. She enjoyed sewing and made clothes for herself and her kids when they were young. Mary was famous for her Caesar salad, stuffed shells, chewy bars, and her perfect penmanship gracing many a recipe card. If she knew your birthday or anniversary, you were sure to receive a card in the mail from her.

Mary's most cherished role was being a grandma. For several years before retirement, she helped with childcare for her grandchildren while her kids pursued their careers. For 20 years, Mary and Pat ran one of the most successful Maaco Auto Body shops in the country. They retired together in 2004.

During retirement, Mary and Pat traveled with friends and family, visiting the US National Parks and taking several European trips. They made new friends, gathered wonderful memories, and took plenty of pictures to share from their adventures. Her favorite places, however, were Disney World and Sanibel Island where she enjoyed countless vacations with her family.

Mary fought breast cancer in 2005 and after successful treatment, she participated in three Avon Walks for Breast Cancer, raising money for research. In 2013 she was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, which she lived with bravely for 13 years...

Mary is still loved on this earth by her husband, Pat; her children, Cori (Steve) Bjorklund and Aric (Courtney) Kinney; her sister Paula Rodefeld; and her grandchildren Annika, Hanna, Jack, and Christian. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Joe and Grace Vitale and her brother-in-law Dan Rodefeld.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 20th from 9am to 11am at Max A. Sass & Sons Mission Hills Chapel, 8910 W Drexel Ave, Franklin, WI 53132. A celebration of life will follow at 11am at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/.