Maria "Ria" McKenna

Maria McKenna, Mom, Aunt Maria, “Ree-Ree”, “Ree”, “Ria”, and always our beacon of strength and integrity. These are many of her references for a kind soul that was continuously our beloved, cherished sweetheart devoted to her roles as a mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. Maria passed away on July 16, 2024, after a brave, courageous and stoic battle with cancer. In this process, Maria, to no one’s surprise, epitomized dignity and strength to an extent that was truly inspiring, beautiful and peaceful. Maria passed at the age of 67 years old.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, to Nancy Sabatina and the late Michael Sabatina, Maria had the ability to always convey a stern sense of strength and unwavering conviction to doing what was right. These characteristics were always combined with warmth, kindness, compassion and humility. She impacted so many more than she ever realized or credited herself for. She found her greatest pride and joy in her role as the parent to her three beloved children: Joseph McKenna, Sr. (Meghan), Brianna McKenna (Corey), and Matthew McKenna (Hannah). She reveled and excelled in her role as the parent raising her three extremely active children through the years. Her chaotic schedule always included a mix of nightly baseball, soccer and dance practices including countless travel tournaments, dance recitals, high-school events and college sports and activities as well. Maria was their constant source of srength, guidance and unwavering unconditional love. In the little free time she had, Maria cherished an afternoon shopping or viewing the latest action flick, two passions she shared with her family. She loved going on vacation with her family, even if it was a short trip to the Jersey Shore. She always found peace near the ocean. Maria was an avid, devoted Philadelphia Phillies fan just like her beloved father, Poppy. She was knowledgeable on the game, players and their statistics, and she hadn’t missed a game in years.

Beyond her role as a mother, Maria was a devoted daughter and sister. She is survived by her mother, Nancy Sabatina, and her four siblings: Carolyn Sabatina, Michael Sabatina (Jerry), Colette Sabatina (Rick), and Joseph Sabatina (Michele), and seven nieces and nephews who all simply love their Aunt Maria. Maria cherished her immediate and extended family with a sense of devotion and pride that was evident in every aspect of her being. From their earliest memories, Mimi and Poppy instilled a love of family that was unbreakable. This provided countless family memories of the loving bond that was constant and filled with laughter, jokes, and unwavering support for each other through life's ups and downs.

Maria’s career was exemplary as well – rising up the ranks from a young nurse out of nursing school to Nurse Administrator, and spending her entire career at Lankenau Hospital. She was no stranger to touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her, working with her and loving her. Within the past month, she was able to reach another milestone by God allowing her to spend time with her first grandchild, Joseph Michael McKenna, Jr. She leaves behind a legacy of love, humility, integrity, strength and everlasting devotion to family.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the multiple comprehensive medical teams and caregivers at Paoli Hospital who supported her with unwavering support during her illness.

Friends and loved ones are invited to her Viewing, Wednesday July 24, 12 PM to 1:30 PM at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Rd, Broomall, PA 19008, and her funeral mass, 1:30 PM. Interment ceremony will immediately follow at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA.

Flowers or donations would be appreciated to St. Pius X Church, at the address mentioned above or to The Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 - https://bvspca.org/.