MARY KIDD

Mary Frances (Manson) Kidd 75, of Neenah, WI passed away on October 13, 2015 after being called by God and in the presence of her loving family due to complications of Lewy Body Dementia. Mary was born on April 29, 1940 in Evanston IL and was soon adopted from The Cradle by Charles (Fritz) and Dorothy Manson of Wausau, WI. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1958 and then attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for one year. Mary subsequently transferred to Evanston Hospital School of Nursing, affiliated with Northwestern University, and was awarded a Diploma in Nursing in 1962. She married Howard L Kidd on September 22, 1962. For the remainder of that year Mary worked her first job as a postpartum recovery nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. She then worked as a Chicago visiting nurse until her husband's medical school graduation in June 1964, and then as Director of Nursing at a Detroit nursing home for one year during her husband's internship at Detroit Receiving Hospital. During the next 5 years, as her husband served in the USPHS and completed a pediatric residency, three children were born: John Aaron (1965), Ann Dorothy (1966) both born in Bismarck, ND, and Charles (Fritz) born in Neenah in 1970. Mary and Howard moved to Neenah with their children in January 1970. While her children were in school, Mary initially took some courses at Lawrence University. She then attended the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh to pursue her interests in music and history. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984, and a Master of Arts degree in history in 1989. Her Master's thesis, "Orson P. Clinton: Pioneer, Pastor, Patriot" was published in 1993 as Chapter 10 in A Tale of Twin Cities, a book about the development of the Fox River Waterway, produced by the Neenah Historical Society. Mary enjoyed music and literature, and was an avid reader. She was a long-time member of the Wednesday Club and was stimulated by the challenge of reading, writing, and presenting papers on classic literature. She was also a Master Gardener, and enjoyed gardening both at home and church. Additionally, she spent countless hours producing many knitted pieces and outstanding needlework projects. Mary always had a special compassion for the elderly, as well as those who were underprivileged and less fortunate. She served on the board of Leaven for several years, as well as many other service organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Emergency Society, Coolidge School PTA, and the Great Books Program. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Neenah from 1970 until her death. As a Deacon, she always looked forward to visiting shut-ins on a regular basis. Mary always enjoyed the beauty and solitude of her cottage in the north woods, the camaraderie of the Tuesday lunch group at Cy's Asian Bistro in Neenah, and she valued the many forty-year friendships she nurtured in the Fox Cities. Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dr. Howard Kidd; their three children, Dr. John Kidd of Saranac Lake, NY and his children, Devan and Lea; Ann (Philip) Lorenz of Hinsdale, IL and their children, David, Matthew, Julia; Dr. Fritz (Kristen) Kidd of Menomonee Falls, WI and their children, Sarah, Maggie and Kevin. Mary is also survived by her sister Joanna (Bud) Mandt of Madison, WI. Mary will always be remembered for her unique energetic laugh, and for being a strong, supportive and compassionate mother. She was a loving wife who always had a great smile and a continuous concern for the needs of others. A memorial service is being held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church St., Neenah, with the Rev. Richard Moore officiating. The family will greet guests in the Fellowship Hall following the service. In lieu of flower, donations in Mary's name can be made to LEAVEN of the Fox Cities, 1475 Opportunity Way, Menasha, WI 54952, or the Fox Valley Humane Association, N115 2 Mile Rd, Appleton, WI 54914. The family is grateful for the generous and compassionate care given by the staff at the Neenah VNA and by ThedaCare Hospice.