The McKean Family Foundation Fund
The McKean Family Foundation, established by Mary Kirk McKean, supports community organizations in Greater Saint John, focusing on education, culture, and heritage.
Mary Kirk McKean was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, as the only child of George Robert McKean and Myrtle Ivy (Waring) (McKean) Emery. She graduated as valedictorian from Saint John High School in 1936 and earned a Master of Arts degree from Mount Allison University, where she won a gold medal in English. McKean became a teacher of German and history at Saint John High School, where she had a distinguished career spanning 34 years.
Throughout her life, Miss McKean had a deep passion for the arts, with strong interests in music, art, and heritage. She was a devoted patron of organizations like The New Brunswick Museum, the Symphony, and other cultural institutions. Her commitment to the arts led to the creation of The James Venner Russell Foundation, which continues to support arts and culture, including music, drama, art, and literature, in Greater Saint John.
Many remember Mary’s summer residence at Brandy Point on the St. John River. After the death of her father, George R. McKean, her mother remarried Alban S. Emery, a well-known cabinetmaker whose work is highly regarded. Together, they acquired numerous cherished pieces of commissioned furniture.
Mary McKean established The McKean Family Foundation in honor of her family to support various community organizations in Greater Saint John. The Foundation has made significant contributions to charitable causes through donations to The Greater Saint John Community Foundation. Kevin M. Riley, Senior Trust Advisor with Royal Trust Corporation of Canada, trustee of the McKean Foundation, has expressed confidence in the Foundation’s understanding of the community’s needs.
Miss McKean and her longtime friend, James Venner Russell, both believed in the principle that charity begins at home. Through their two foundations, they have left a lasting legacy supporting education, culture, religion, and heritage in New Brunswick.
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