Kanellis, Mary A. (Poole)

Mary A. (Poole) Kanellis, 85, of southeast Cedar Rapids, passed away in her home on Friday evening, Jan. 22, 2010.

Mary is survived by a son, Eugene Kanellis and his wife Sharon Kanellis of Rock Falls, Ill.; and a son, Andrew Kanellis and his wife Janniece Kanellis of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren, Zoe (Scott) Roberts of Erie, Colo., Cindi Kanellis of Rock Falls, Ill., Bill (Renae) Kanellis of Manchester, Dorea (David) Burkamper of Shueyville, Ken (Jeanine) Kanellis of Cedar Rapids, Drew (Mindy) Sathern of Henderson, Nev., Wendi (Michael) Scott, San Antonio, Texas, Gene Kanellis of Waterloo, and Ida (Jason) Hangartner of Cedar Rapids; and 23 great-grandchildren. Mary (known as “Suzy” from childhood) is also survived by her brother, Donald (My Hanh) Poole of Jacksonville, Fla.; a niece, Sherry (Gary) Neuder on mission in Nigeria; and cousin, Barbara Shelton of Vancouver, Wash.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Kenneth Poole; and her daughter, Margey Crawford.

Mary also sponsored children through the Christian Children's Fund for over 20 years. Since 1993, she has sponsored Jessica Alipio Da Silva of Brazil.

Mary was born to Arthur E. Poole and Clara A. (Shafer) Poole on Nov. 25, 1924, in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from Franklin High in Cedar Rapids, Class of 1943. She was married for a time to David N. Kanellis of Iowa City. She retired as an inspector from Rockwell Collins after 35 years of service.

In our community, she was a lifelong member of the Christian Science Church. She was a reader and devoted worker for her church. She loved the arts and over the years shared season tickets to the Cedar Rapids Symphony, the Cedar Rapids Area Theatre Organ Society, Theatre Cedar Rapids and was a charter member of Brucemore Historical Site.

Mary loved to travel within the United States and abroad. She traveled by air and land, including a continental train trip, but her passion was cruising on majestic ships. Mary, with family and friends, enjoyed 33 worldwide cruises in her lifetime.

She was an amazing woman and family matriarch; loving, charitable, compassionate and inspirational; an example for others. She was ardent, witty and shared an infectious laugh. Her heart was filled by the simplicity and spirit of life: family, friendship, nature and animals. Spending time at the cabins, hiking in state parks and picnics brought her great joy. Until the day of her death, Mary penned letters to loved ones who lived out of state and she treasured these weekly exchanges.

Per her wishes, there will be no service. The family gathered in celebration of her life and Mary will be laid to rest beside her parents at Cedar Memorial Cemetery.

The family respectfully requests no flowers. Memorial donations may be given to any Humane Society or to her beloved church, First Church of Christ, Scientist, 640 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.