Nuna

Mary Ada “Nuna” (Driscoll Cobb) McKinney

Mary Ada Driscoll was born on Friday, April 16, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois, to Estella Dennis and Augustus Driscoll. Tragically, Mary Ada's early years were marked by loss. Her mother, Estella, passed away following complications from surgery, leaving Mary Ada to relocate to McGrann, Pennsylvania, where she was lovingly raised by her grandmother and step-grandfather.

In McGrann, Mary Ada grew up surrounded by the strong sense of family and community that would shape her character. She attended Ford City High School in nearby Ford City, PA, where she graduated in 1939. During her time in high school, Mary Ada embraced a well-rounded and active student life, participating in sports, music, and service organizations.

She played basketball, showcasing her determination and teamwork on the court. Beyond athletics, Mary Ada was a member of the Girls' Choral Club, where her love for music shone, and the Tri-Hi-Y Club, which promoted leadership and community service among young women. Her interests in practical skills and professional development were evident through her involvement in the Home Economics Club and the Gregg Secretarial Club, preparing her for future endeavors.

Mary Ada Driscoll's story reflects resilience, adaptability, and a vibrant spirit that flourished even in the face of early challenges. Her life serves as a testament to the power of family, community, and personal determination, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

In 1940, Mary Ada Driscoll married George Louis Cobb, the son of Frank Burt Cobb and Lelar Blanche (Jenkins) Cobb. Together, Mary Ada and George built a family and welcomed four children: George Augustus in 1940, Richard James in 1942, Donna Eilene in 1944, and Linda Lee in 1947.

Their life as a young family was filled with joy, growth, and the challenges of raising four children during a rapidly changing era. However, tragedy struck in 1950 when a devastating drowning accident claimed the lives of both George Louis Cobb and their oldest son, George Augustus.

Widowed at just 29 years old, Mary Ada faced the unimaginable heartbreak of losing her husband and son. Despite this profound loss, she displayed incredible resilience and strength, dedicating herself to raising her three surviving children.

In 1951, she met William Gill. That same year, Mary Ada and William welcomed a daughter, Karen Alicia, into the world.

In 1954, Mary Ada found married Fred McKinney, the son of Lucius and Minnie Florence (Powell Jackson) McKinney. Together, they welcomed two children into their family: Minnie Diane, born in 1954, and Timothy Maurice, born in 1955. Sadly, Fred was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away in 1957, leaving Mary Ada widowed for the second time at just 36 years old, now a single mother of six children. Mary Ada never remarried.

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Richard Cobb