Pauline McKenna

Pauline McKenna, 95, of Grinnell, died Thursday, September 24, 2026, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell with colon cancer.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Grinnell. Visitation with the family will precede the service at the church beginning at 9:00 am. Interment will follow the service at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. A luncheon will be held in the Parish Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Pauline suggested memorial gifts be given to St. Mary Parish Foundation or MICA Food Pantry in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.smithfh.com.

Pauline Eva Hinton was born on February 24, 1931, in Goldfield, Iowa, the daughter of Paul and Bertha (Ross) Hinton. She was raised on the family farm near Clarion, Iowa, and later in Udell, Iowa; she graduated from Udell High School in 1949. She continued her education at Ottumwa Heights College and taught school in Kinross.

On June 10, 1954, Pauline married James Patrick McKenna in Kinross, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with six children, Joe, Mike, David, Tammy, Shawn, and Barbara. They resided and raised their family in Grinnell.

An adventurous, lifelong learner, Pauline devoted much of her life to educating others. She cherished teaching kindergarten as a young woman and continued sharing what she learned from her travels and adventures for the rest of her life. Some of the beneficiaries of her teaching include religious education classes, Cub Scouts, Campfire Girls, and the residents of the Mayflower Home and Friendship Manor. She found time to pursue a robust interest in collecting, photography, and traveling, particularly with the Heritage Club bus tours.

Independent and self-sufficient, she worked hard to help support her family financially, including stints at Skel-Diner, Maid Rite, Hy-Vee Deli, and Apple Craft. She loved being an Activities Aide at the Mayflower Home, and her joy in this vocation kept her working, driving, and mowing her own lawn until the age of 88.

During Jim's retirement, he was a faithful companion on Pauline's journeys of curiosity and learning. After his death, Pauline embodied Jim’s legacy of openness and charm. As hospice volunteers, both were clear eyed about death and made the most of their last years.

Pauline will be remembered for her strong Catholic faith, generous spirit, and can-do attitude. She had a genuine interest in others and their well-being and was much loved by many.

Pauline is survived by her children, Joe McKenna of Bremerton, WA, Mike (Vicki) McKenna of Grinnell, David McKenna of Marshalltown, IA, Tammy (Dan) McKanan of Somerville, MA, Shawn (Lori) McKenna of Ankeny, IA, and Barbara McKenna of Iowa City, IA; seven grandsons and three granddaughters; three great-grandsons; and her sisters, Marjorie Hopkins, Barbara Robb, Helen Stajcar, Dorothy Gillaspie, Bonnie Kauzlarich and Darlene Cangas. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Jim McKenna in 2008; and her infant sisters, Lillian and Mary Hinton.