Mary Kearns
Age - 88
November 28, 2023
Mary Frances Kearns (Flanagan) December 22, 1934 - November 19, 2023 May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you and Saint Patrick behold you Mary Frances Kearns (nee Flanagan), known to all as Frances, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023. It is a bittersweet loss to all who loved Frances for those left behind are left with a hole in their hearts yet are comforted knowing that once again Frances is in the loving embrace of her husband, Brian Kearns. Frances was born on December 22, 1934 in her beloved homeland, Belfast Ireland. It was a lively household with Frances's sisters Anne, Dolly, Madeline and brother Patrick. The children spent days at the Market where their dad had a fruit stand and their childhood was rich with memories Frances would lovingly retell to her children and grandchildren. One night in a Belfast gymnasium, a handsome young man captured Frances's eye as he impressed onlookers by expertly juggling bowling pins. Locking eyes across the room, Brian Kearns and Frances Flanagan fell in love at first sight. She was his Wild Irish Rose and he was her Gypsy Rover and "Some Enchanted Evening' from South Pacific became their song. "Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger, You may see a stranger across a crowded room, And somehow you know, you know even then, That somehow you'll see her again and again" That night was the beginning of a transcontinental love story. Eventually the young married couple and their wee son Jim left their beloved Belfast for America and the opportunities it would provide. Settling in Oxnard, California the Kearns family grew quickly with the addition of Michael, Brian, Mary, David, and Anne Elizabeth who was tragically taken from them too soon. Many of Brian and Frances's brothers and sisters joined them in America with their spouses and ultimately children creating a new community centered around the Kearns brothers and Flanagan sisters. Road trips to San Francisco to visit Auntie Anne's family and camping trips to Lake Casitas are treasured family memories. Brian and Frances's house was always filled with friends and family through the years as their children grew up, married, and had children of their own. Nine grandchildren added to the love and laughter as the family gathered at the home on Devonshire every holiday. Throughout it all, Brian and Frances's love and marriage of 61 years was the foundation of the family. Frances was preceded in death by her soulmate, Brian Kearns; beloved daughter, Mary Kearns; precious baby daughter, Anne Elizabeth; loving sisters, Anne (Flanagan) Hickey and Dolly (Flanagan) Hay; and brother, Patrick Flanagan. Frances is survived by her sons Jim (Alanna) Kearns; Michael Kearns; Brian (Anne) Kearns; and David (Stephanie) Kearns. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren Amanda McCoy (Rob) children: River and Stone, Shannon Brown (Ryan) daughter Evelyn, Austin, Amy, Michael, Brendan, Lorenzo, Connor, Ryan. Frances's sister and best friend, Madeline Peterson spent every day by her side for the past five years. She sat, talked, and drank tea with her while always ensuring she was comfortable and well cared for at all times. The family's gratitude for Madeline is immeasurable. Services for Mary Frances Kearns: December 1, 2023 Santa Clara Cemetery 2370 N. H Street Oxnard, CA 93036 Viewing begins at 10:00 AM Rosary 11:00 AM Graveside Service 12:00 PM To plant Memorial Trees in memory of , please .Show more
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