Obituary

Mary M. Soukup, 87, of Hanover, passed away peacefully, Monday, May 18, 2009, at Hanover Hall Nursing Center.

Born July 4, 1921, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late James and Agnes (Byrne) Keenan. Mary was the loving wife of Stephen J. Soukup, who preceded her in death February 17, 2004.

Mary loved to travel with her daughters, singing, attending ethnic festivals and carnivals, listening to country music, watching game shows and nostalgic movies, and dressing up in all her favorite hats. She was raised a devout Christian with strong Catholic values. She loved Jesus, her family, her country, and her Irish roots coupled with being born on the 4th of July may have attributed to Mary being such a "firecracker". Her life revolved around her family and friends, they all admired her for her sunny disposition and was given the nickname, "Little Mary Sunshine" for being able to radiate warmth, cheer, and happiness. Later in her teens, her nickname became "Little Mother" for her independent spirit, and her gift of being able to care for her younger siblings.

Mom was never one to let things get her down. She always found the silver lining and the rainbow at the end of the storm. She believed the sun would always come out tomorrow. She would always say, "Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone". A woman of cheerful humor, she could cleverly twist a phrase or punch line, making it even more humorous, and no matter, what she could always tickle your funny bone.

Mom's most generous and kind nature would always lend itself to a friend in need or to many a worthy cause to include: Disabled American Veterans, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Special Olympics, Father Flannigan's Girls/Boystown, and let us not forget those Girl Scouts with their most delicious cookie assortment.

Surviving are her son, James J. Soukup and wife, Anita L., of Manchester, MD; two daughters, Susan M. Soukup and Rosemary A. Soukup, both of Hanover; one brother, Vincent Keenan, of Towson, MD; one sister, Edith Lemley, of Berryville, VA; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by four brothers, James, William, Thomas, and Francis Keenan and four sisters, Ellen Argentino, Catherine Satti, Theresa Foley, and Agnes Johnson.

A service to celebrate and remember Mary's life will be held 11 AM, Friday, May 22, 2009, at Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA 17331, with Father Joseph F. Gotwalt as celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Hanover. Viewings and times to share memories with Mary's family will be held 2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM, Wednesday and Thursday, as well as 10 - 11 AM, Friday, all at the funeral home.

Serving as casketbearers will be James Soukup, Arthur Satti, Bernard Keenan, Danny Keenan, and Michael Keenan.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com