Mary V. Carpenter

Mary V. Carpenter, nee Kerins, 95, of Belleville, Illinois, born Thursday, November 23, 1916, in Los Angeles, CA, passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Rosewood Care Center in Swansea, Illinois.

She was an original member of the school and parish at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church; and belonged to Saint Ann Sodality, Meals on Wheels, YaYa Club, 55 Club member at Belleville Fitness Club, and St. Clair Country Club.

She loved to cook, play golf, cards, and any physical activity. She was very lively and energetic. She never met a stranger and cared deeply for all whom she met.

She was preceded in death by her:

  • Husband: Roland F. Carpenter who passed away on Dec. 12, 1998
  • Parents: Thomas J. and Pauline C. nee Wekenman, Kerins
  • Brother: Robert Kerins 
  • Sister: Rita LePere

Surviving are her:

  • 5 Children
    • James (Carole) Carpenter of O'Fallon, MO
    • Thomas (Deborah) Carpenter of Shiloh, IL
    • John (Cathy) Carpenter of Belleville, IL
    • Jane (Michael) Chenault of Millstadt, IL
    • Mary Jo Carpenter of Belleville, IL
  • 11 Grandchildren
    • Chris (Gina) Carpenter
    • Andy  (Jan) Carpenter
    • Cathy Carpenter
    • Thomas K. (Rachel) Carpenter
    • Tom M. (Gretchen) Carpenter
    • Dave (Julie) Carpenter
    • Tim Carpenter
    • Mike (Lauren) Carpenter
    • Kim (Joe) Rice
    • Julie (Brian) Oestreich
    • Kevin (Jenny) Chenault
  • 2 Step GrandChildren
    • Jessica (Brandon) Fraser
    • Elizabeth Franco
  • 16 Gr. Grandchildren and 1 expected in December
  • Dear Nieces and Nephews
  • Many many Friends and fellow card players

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Blessed Sacrament School Endowment, Catholic Urban Programs or Donor's Choice

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, September 24, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:40am Tuesday, September 25, 2012 for a 10:00am mass of Christian burial at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Father Clyde Grogan officiating  Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, Illinois.

Condolences left for Mary V. Carpenter:

    Losing a Mom is never easy to accept. I'm sure my sister, Marilyn Johnston, would have offered her deepest sympathy, along with mine.

    John McAteer Greenville Illinois 62246

    We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom and Grandmother. She was truly a classy lady! We always admired her and marveled at her energy and great attitude.
    Please accept our sincere condolences.
    Bob and Karen Fries

    Bob and Karen Fries Belleville IL 62223

    Jimmy-sorry to hear about your mother.

    Jerry Metze Belleville IL 62220