Mary Ann Kendra

Mary Ann Kendra (Smaza), formerly of Detroit, Dearborn Heights, and Northville, Michigan died at her home in Novi, Michigan on June 23, 2018 following a recurring battle with cancer.

Mary Ann was born August 28, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to Paul Smaza and Mary Sordyl who emigrated to Detroit from Poland in the early 1900s. In addition to being a mother to five children, she had four close siblings, Pauline Smaza, Joseph Smaza, Helen/Helcia Smaza Pociask, all deceased, and her surviving sister and best friend Louise Smaza Gorak.

Mary Ann was a matron and confidant for an extended family of relatives and friends. She was an entrepreneur who helped operate many businesses with her late husband, Peter J. Kendra, including an accounting practice, retail businesses, the Continental Deli restaurant in Ann Arbor, and for many years the banquet and restaurant facilities at Warren Valley Golf Course, where numerous friends and relatives celebrated weddings and special occasions in the 1970s-80s. She was proud of her Polish heritage and was active in Polish National Alliance (PNA) Lodge #3160.

Mary Ann was also beloved at Meadowbrook Senior Apartments where she developed many dear friends late in life and participated in numerous activities, including helping with the preparation of Meals on Wheels for other seniors in the community. Her family paid this tribute to her, “Mary Ann was a true inspiration, teacher and role model who opened her heart to many over the years. She handled her death the same way she handled her life, with class, dignity, and humility. She will be truly missed.”

Mary Ann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, relative and friend who touched many lives over the years. She is survived by her children Peter Kendra (Debra), Gary Kendra (Christina), Carol Kendra (Scott), Judy Kendra (Frank) and Raymond Kendra (Jane), her grandchildren Andrea, Tony, Maria, Erica, Kyle, Noah, Paige, Alexander and Zachary, and great grand-child William.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018 from 4pm until 8pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, June 26, at 10 am, instate at 9:30am at St. Linus Catholic Church, 6466 Evangeline, Dearborn Heights. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Hedwig Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to Angela Hospice.