Mary Ann Kinder

Mary Ann Kinder (ne Staroscik) passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of December 1, 2016. As a homemaker and mother, her greatest joy was being with her family. Born and raised in Nebraska, Mary and her lifelong sweetheart and husband, Alexander William Kinder, enjoyed the many adventures and travels that an Air Force service life provided. They lived in several countries during his service in the US Air Force, including Taiwan (then Formosa) and England. During their four years in England, they traveled extensively including three 30-day camping trips in Europe. At retirement, Al and Mary settled in Alexandria, VA, where for thirty-five years, they were active members of Blessed Sacrament Church. When Al passed away in 2002, Mary moved to Virginia Beach to be close to Sherry and her family. In her life, Mary expressed her devout Catholic beliefs through her ministry to the elderly and the poor and also participated in many prayer and Bible study groups. Mary and her sisters Rose and Peggy created a clan of several generations of loving children. Along with her profound faith, those family connections were the strength of Mary’s daily life.
As a native Nebraskan and former student at the University of Nebraska, Mary was an ardent fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. While living near St. Louis, she became a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Her family celebrated the 1964 World Series championship like it was a personal win. Quick to laugh and easily moved to cry, Mary found all her joy in the goodness of others. She and Al were joyous dancers, never missing an opportunity to whisk out onto the dance floor. One of their favorite dances was the polka. Mary left us a life full of memories, and a shining example of “counting your blessings” in the face of hardship.
Mary is survived by her younger sister Rose Gabriel of Colorado Springs, CO. She is also survived by her daughter, Sherry Blood and husband Roger of Virginia Beach VA, and by her son, Michael Kinder and wife Amy of Annapolis MD. Surviving grandchildren are Michael Blood and wife Renee of Austin TX, Stephan Blood of Virginia Beach VA, Katherine Kinder of Annapolis MD, Elizabeth Kinder of Orlando FL, and Rebecca Kinder of Nashville TN. Three great grandchildren, Hannah, Molly and Matthew Blood also reside in Austin TX. Preceding her in death are Mary’s younger sisters, Peggy and Suzanne.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Chapter, reached here: http://www.alz.org/seva/in_my_community_donate.asp
Visitation will be Friday, December 9, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home. 5792 Greenwich Rd. Virginia Beach, VA.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach, VA on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 11:00 am.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyerfh.com