Kendra Anne McGuinness

Kendra Anne McGuinness

February 19, 1964 - March 26, 2018

    Surrounded by her family, Kendra McGuiness returned to God on March 26, 2018. Kendra is survived by her parents, Dagmar and William Zwisler, her loving husband, Matt, her son Riley, and daughters Molly and Shae.

    A hero and an inspiration, Kendra never succumbed in her battle with cancer. She lived through even her most difficult days with grace and strength that most can only aspire to. She cared more about the grief that each new diagnosis would bring to her family and her friends than about what it meant for her. Kendra embraced life with admirable positivity, lived fully, and with intensity. She cherished her time with family and placed special value on the fellowship of friends.

    Kendra was born in Tacoma, Washington, but came to California as an infant and grew up in Portola Valley. She became the quintessential California girl, attending Menlo-Artherton High School, UC Santa Barbara and graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Physics. She began her career as a Quality Assurance Manager at a Silicon Valley computer company; however, after marrying Matt, the love of her life, and settling in San Francisco, she took time off to be a full-time mother and mentor to her children. She was an active member at each of their school communities, cheering them on in sports, science fairs or dance recitals and volunteering where needed. As their children grew, she returned to part-time work in a variety of capacities using her knowledge of computers and aptitude for numbers to assist in the business office of several small businesses. In her latest position, she served as an integral part of the Development Office for the Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Anne's Home.

    Puzzles and reading were favorite pastimes. As a voracious reader, Kendra was the inspiration for a book club that motivated non-readers to come together in friendship to share her love of reading. she and her husband traveled the world, but their family trips to Cozumel always topped her list of "bests". She and Matt welcomed life's blessings and challenges as one, proudly in agreement that the raising of their three beautiful and accomplished children was their greatest achievement.

    Recognized for her sweet smile and fun-loving disposition, she was loved for her beauty inside and out and will be deeply missed.

    Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass to celebrate Kendra's life on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11am at St. Brendan's Church located at 29 Rockaway Ave. San Francisco, CA 94127. Reception to follow.

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