Mary Ellen Tennyson of Kenosha passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 81.

Mary was born on March 17, 1945, in Alexandria, Minnesota, the daughter of Arvid and Adeline (Walberg) Nordlund.

She was united in marriage to her one and only love, Timothy Tennyson, on January 12, 1963, and together they built a beautiful life full of faith, family, and plenty of laughter. They were blessed with three children, and Mary embraced every season of life with joy—as a devoted wife, loving mom, proud grandma, sister, and friend. She also shared a special bond with Tim in their love for the Chicago Cubs, faithfully watching games together whenever they could—celebrating the wins and enduring the losses side by side. You could often find her in her favorite chair, cheering them on and clapping with a smile whenever they scored a run.

Mary’s greatest happiness was found in her family. Her home was always open, often full, and never short on laughter, good conversation, and the feeling that you truly belonged. She had a gift for making people feel special and cared for, offering her time, encouragement, and kindness freely. If you walked through her door, you were sure to leave feeling a little more loved. And for a while, she was perfectly eye-to-eye with her grandchildren—something she delighted in—until, one by one, they all grew taller than her, a fact she took in stride, though she may have insisted they stop growing at least once or twice.

For all who knew her—whether as Mary, Mom, Gramma, or “Gramma Great”—it was unmistakable that her first love was Jesus. Her faith wasn’t just something she talked about; it shone through in the way she lived, loved, and served others each day. She shared that joy with everyone she met, reflecting Christ through her warmth, compassion, and gentle spirit. Her life was a testimony of steadfast faith, and the legacy she leaves is one deeply rooted in love and devotion to God and others.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Tim; her children, Denise (Fred) Ebler, Troy (Heidi) Tennyson, and Michael (Carrie) Tennyson; her cherished grandchildren, Tristan (Meg), Drew (Leah), Danielle (Ben), Brett, Brianna (Stephen), Tyler, and Caryssa (Chris); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Blake, Greyson, Nolan, Eleanor, Sophie, P.J., Ada, Mila, Jax, Violet, and Arthur. She is also survived by her siblings, Rodney Nordlund (Sheree), Alma Dace, and Lorayne Lewis (Ken), her sister-in-law Marilyn Arnold, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Tennyson; and her brothers-in-law, Gordon Dace and David Lee.

Mary's celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at Journey Church Kenosha. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with the Memorial service at noon.