Mary Helen Lennon, of Rochester, New York, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the age of 98. Mary was born in Rochester, New York, on May 31, 1928, to Alfred and Hilda Benton.
Mary lived a full and fruitful life. Her love of music brought her to complete her college education at the Eastman School of Music. In addition to the piano, she enjoyed early years as an accomplished singer and performed in several operas in the area. James and Mary went on to have seven children. During this time, the family moved around the United States several times for James’s position at Eastman Kodak Company as a regional sales manager: first to Cleveland, Ohio; then back to Rochester; then to Houston, Texas, back to Rochester, and finally Detroit, Michigan. While in Houston, Mary attended the University of Houston and earned a degree in psychology. She then worked at the National Institute for the Deaf in Rochester and retired from Detroit Edison.
Mary enjoyed crafts in her younger years and learned to knit by starting on the hard things, with a pair of argyle socks for her new husband, James. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting for her family. In retirement she found joy in tending her garden, relaxing by her pool, traveling to her beloved timeshare on Maui, and fulfilling a dream with a memorable trip to France.
Mary is predeceased by her husband of 45 years, James; brother, Raymond Benton; and daughter, Janet Stadt. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Adams, and children: Martha Lennon, Joyce Lennon (Larry Trapani), Thomas Lennon (Patricia Keegan), Nancy Weisbein (Perry), John Lennon, and Julie Fabrizio; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service Saturday August 8, 2026 10:30AM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport.
