Mary Rice Kidwell

Mary Josephine Rice Kidwell of Chestertown, MD, passed away peacefully on Monday October 30, 2017. She is survived by her sister, Eunice Rice; children, Karen Maurey (Dave), Paula Duggan (Ted), Michael Kidwell (Johanna), Janet Pope (Steve), Jonathan Kidwell (Chrissy), Melanie Costello (Jim); grandchildren, Jason (Valerie), Eric, Mary, Jake, Jennifer, Joanna, Jolene, Stephen (Bethany), Jacob (Shelby), Jordan (Briana), Josh, Joe, Catherine and Patrick; and great-grandchildren, Logan, Lillian, Lucille, Emma, Graham, and Olivia. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Robert (Bob) E. Kidwell, Jr.; her brother, Tom; her son, Patrick; and grandchildren, Christopher and Sean. Born July 19, 1929, Mary grew up in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC, and spent many summers with her extended family in Nova Scotia, Canada. Mary attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated from Catholic University of America with a degree in Speech and Drama. Married Nov 26, 1955, Mary and Bob raised six children in Silver Spring, MD. She was a long time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, volunteering on the parish council, with the Great Books elementary school reading program, and projects improving housing for lower income families. After raising her children, Mary had a successful career as a real estate agent with a special talent for home staging. She loved meeting people, learning their stories, and making them feel welcome. During retirement, her personal interests included spending time with her husband, Bob, and their children and grandchildren and spoiling her dog, Duke. She explored many artistic media and was skilled in needlepoint, weaving, and quilting. She was a strong advocate for her husband, Bob, supporting him as he lived with Alzheimer's. She resided in Frederick, MD; Fenwick Island, DE; and most recently in Chestertown, MD. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 6 at 10:30 a.m. in the Skipjack Hall at Heron Point in Chestertown, MD. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. in the Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the National Stroke Association or the Moore-Tobey Scholarship Fund of Heron Point (Please make checks payable to Heron Point), 501 E. Campus Ave, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Mary Rice Kidwell

July 19, 1929 - October 30, 2017