Glenda

Glenda E. (Viar) Kenny, 66, passed away October 14, 2008, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Kansas City, Mo., after a valiant battle with leukemia. She leaves to honor her memory her husband of 48 years, Joseph Patrick Kenny, and five children: Patrick J. Kenny (Diana) of St. Louis, Dr. Sean J. Kenny of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Laura M. Lamphear (Terry), Dr. Rebecca N. Messerli (Todd) and Timothy L. Kenny (Rebecca), all of the Kansas City area. Her cherished grandchildren are: Elizabeth, Amy and Joseph Kenny; Michael, Matthew, Nora and Emma Lamphear and Marie, Mitchell and Peter Messerli. Also surviving are her father, Joseph A. Viar of Herndon, Va., and her sisters Bonnie Schafer (Joe) of Fairfax, Va., Josie McGinnis (Jerry) of Arlington, Va., Judy Luther (Bob) of Herndon and Kathy Barbagallo of Kansas City, Mo. (who donated her bone marrow to Glenda); her brother Steve Viar (Rachel) of Leesburg, Va., and a host of nieces and nephews. Glenda was preceded in death by her mother, L. Earlene Viar of Herndon, Va. Glenda earned her R.N. degree from Penn Valley School of Nursing and her love of children led to what she considered the career of her dreams - 20 years as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital. Most importantly, Glenda focused her love and attention on family life and was the hub of activity for her children and grandchildren. Her favorite destination was the Atlantic coast, where the entire family would spend time each summer. From the day of her marriage to Joe on November 10, 1962, the family enjoyed frequent visits with the Viars in Herndon. Glenda took joy in the elaborate garden she and Joe created, and made special efforts to acquaint her grandchildren with classic movies such as "The Sound of Music", and "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." Glenda's life - and that of her family- was further enriched by her 37-year friendship with Joseph and Angela Finegan and by her in-laws James and Gayle Kenny. As the center of her large and close extended family, Glenda possessed a sparkling personality and lived the family values she held dear. Her example of love and integrity will live on as an example for those she leaves behind.

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