Beryl Irene McKenna's Obituary
Beryl Irene McKenna, 91, of Cornelius, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Born on February 17, 1935, in Liverpool, England, Beryl was the beloved daughter of Richard Gordon Martin and Irene Lowen Bicknell Martin, both of whom preceded her in death. Raised in England during World War II while her father served as a Royal Engineer in the British Army, Beryl survived the bombing of Liverpool during the war, an experience that shaped her early life and forged the remarkable strength, perseverance, and grace under pressure that defined her throughout her life.
Beryl began her professional life as an Executive Assistant with Union Carbide, where she carried herself with the same class, intelligence, and determination that marked every chapter of her life. After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Suzanne, Beryl stepped away from her career to lovingly help raise her granddaughter, Nicole, a role she embraced with unwavering devotion, selflessness, and love.
Originally of the Church of England, Beryl later converted in faith, becoming a devoted member of the Catholic Church. Alongside her husband, James, she was deeply involved in their church community and dedicated many years to Marriage Encounter, serving in leadership and helping support, guide, and strengthen countless couples through their faith and commitment to marriage.
On June 14, 1958, Beryl married the love of her life, James Joseph McKenna, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Bayside, New York. Together they built a life rooted in love, resilience, faith, and family.
Beryl was a woman of elegance, strength, and deep conviction. She knew exactly who she was, carried herself with dignity, and was admired for her fierce spirit, warm heart, and calming presence. She was also an extraordinary cook whose home was filled with warmth, comfort, and unforgettable meals, especially her cherished meatballs and gravy, a beloved tradition for all fortunate enough to gather at her table.
Beryl is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, James Joseph McKenna; her daughter, Leslie Esposito; her grandchildren, Nicole McKenna, Andrea Esposito, and Stephen Esposito; her great-grandson, Bennett Esposito; as well as her cherished nieces and nephews, Joe McKenna, Maureen Stofanak, Kathleen Buckley, Mary Black, and James Black. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Suzanne Irene.
Her love extended far beyond bloodlines. Beryl had a rare gift for making others feel like family, embracing dear friends, neighbors, and loved ones with open arms. She was deeply cherished by Deborah Rodgers, a beloved bonus daughter and devoted lifelong friend whose faithful Sunday calls and enduring bond became one of the many beautiful extensions of Beryl’s loving heart. She also leaves behind bonus grandchildren Ashley Smith, Mai Yang, and Karen Chen, whose love, care, and compassion brought great comfort during her final chapter, along with countless other bonus grandchildren and extended loved ones whom she treasured throughout her life.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at James Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117.
To honor Beryl’s spirit and the beautiful life she lived, the family warmly encourages guests attending both the visitation and Funeral Mass to wear colorful clothing or attire that reflects a Celebration of Life, rather than traditional black, if they feel comfortable doing so. While all are welcome to dress in whatever feels most appropriate to them, we hope to celebrate Beryl with the warmth, brightness, and love she brought to so many.
In lieu of flowers, donations toward memorial expenses or to Guide Dogs for the Blind in Beryl’s memory are deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations toward memorial expenses or to Guide Dogs for the Blind in Beryl’s memory are deeply appreciated.
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Beryl’s legacy of strength, love, faith, and family will live on in all who were blessed enough to know her.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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