Mary Helen (Rennie) Kontio

Mary Helen Rennie Kontio passed away peacefully in October 2025 at the age of 88. A devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and friend to many, she leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and adventure.

Mary was married for 50 years to Henry Kontio Jr. Their partnership was marked by deep affection and shared adventures until Henry’s passing in 2022.

Mary was born in Saint John’s Newfoundland Canada to Charles Gordon Rennie and Mary (Silver) Rennie.  In addition to her husband Henry, she was preceded in death by her mother and father, 3 brothers (Charles, Gordon, and William) and her precious son, Orie (Charlene) Augustus Woods II.

Mary is survived by her children Kimberly (Dave) Samry Anderson, Mark Kontio, and Jeffrey (June) Kontio; several grandchildren Derek Woods, Tiffany Woods, Pamela (Brad) Krisanits, Christopher Samry, Alexa (Benjamin) Redman, and Courtney Samry. David Kontio, Emily Kontio, Aaron Kontio, Andrew Kontio, Erin Cully, Katie Cully, Megan Cully, and a sprinkling of great-grandchildren who brought her pride and joy.

Mary was the beloved mother of two and stepmother to two, embracing her blended family with unwavering love and dedication. Her life was one of devotion—both to her family and to her community. A longtime and highly involved member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she served with great pride through the ranks and with distinction as Worthy Matron in multiple chapters across Florida, and was also active in the Order in her home state of Maine.

As a faithful Air Force spouse, she embraced a life of travel and adaptation, making homes for her family across the United States—from Maine to California—and even abroad during an assignment in Spain. She found great joy in serving those who served, managing NCO and Officer Clubs at Homestead AFB in Florida and at the remote Thule AFB in Greenland.

Travel remained one of her greatest passions throughout her life, and she never missed an opportunity to explore the world—especially by cruise ship, her favorite mode of travel.

Her memory will be carried forward by all who knew her, loved her, and learned from her example of grace, perseverance, and boundless curiosity for the world.

The family wishes to thank Crown Health of North Baldwin, formerly Oakwood Center for Living, for the great love and care over the past 6+ years.

A service will be held at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. with Chaplain Dan Cresswell officiating. 

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