Mary Alice Jennings, 92, psychiatric social worker

Mary Alice Jennings, 92, died Saturday, November 2, 2002 at Hancock Hall, Danbury.

Mrs. Jennings was born in New Castle, Indiana, February 23, 1910, the daughter of Dr. Walter C. and Margaret (Crowe) Van Nuys. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Class of 1932, she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Simmons College in Boston. She worked as a psychiatric social worker in Worcester, Massachusetts, Washington, DC and Indianapolis, Indiana prior to marrying Joe N. Shidler in 1941 and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Widowed in 1959, she married Harry E. Jennings in 1960. Mr. Jennings died in 1994 at which time she moved to Congregate Housing in Ridgefield to be near her family. Mrs. Jennings will be remembered there for her delightful disposition, sprightly sense of humor and constant visits by her grandchildren.

Mrs. Jennings is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline McBride and her husband Robert of Ridgefield, CT and Mary Jo Ardis and her husband David of Fort Walton Beach, FL, six grandchildren, Allison Ardis Araya and David G. Ardis, II of Reno, NV, Amy McBride Baskin of Portland, OR, Maureen McBride of New York, NY, Matthew McBride and Benjamin McBride both of Ridgefield, CT and a great grandson, Noah Baskin.

Two brothers, Walter Van Nuys and John Van Nuys and a granddaughter, Sally McBride predeceased Mrs. Jennings.

Private graveside services will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.

There will be no calling hours.

Friends are asked to plant a tree or flowers, anywhere, in her memory.

The Kane Funeral Home 41 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.