Priscilla June McKenna

Priscilla June McKenna, 73, passed away peacefully at home and was carried away in the arms of angels on Sunday, April 12, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma of the lung. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Salix, Iowa, beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by graveside services and interment.

Priscilla was born on September 18, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, to Pauline (Sanchez) and Nolan Rodrigues. She was raised in San Antonio and at a young age, she showed remarkable strength and devotion to her family, leaving high school early to work full-time to help support her mother raise her younger siblings after the passing of her father. She accomplished her goal of receiving her GED in 1993 right before her oldest son graduated high school.

Priscilla was united in marriage to Jim McKenna on February 9, 1974. She took great pride in being a stay-at-home mom to their four children, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories with them. As her children grew older, she worked outside of the home at various places, but her favorites were WinnaVegas Casino, Best Western, and Younkers. No matter what her schedule, she made sure her work never interfered with her children’s activities. With four kids involved in multiple sports, she and her husband mastered what she called “divide and conquer,” ensuring that at least one of them was always present. Her voice could always be heard from the stands, loudly cheering on her children/grandchildren and their teammates.

She had a passion for crafting, shopping, playing bingo, and spending time at the casino. She was incredibly talented and could make or sew anything that was needed. She even started a small earring business with her granddaughter Emersyn. She looked forward to planning and going on her girls’ trip every year and as her health declined, the trips began to come to her. Those same special moments were brought right to her, filled with laughter, love, and the presence of the people she cherished most. She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren fiercely and was deeply involved in every aspect of their lives. While her presence could sometimes be described as “too involved,” there was never any doubt that it came from a place of unconditional love.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jim; her children, Shawn (Monica), Veronica (Jeff), Kyler (Katie), and Kimberly (Lacey); and her cherished grandchildren, Taylor, Christian, Juliana, Catie, Gabe, Schuyler, Gavin, Emersyn, Cadence, Ashleigh, Krista, and Kyran; along with one great-grandchild Barron. She is also survived by her sisters, Deborah Velasquez, Pauline Perez, and Darlene Freeman, her brother, Nolan Rodrigues, her cousins MariaLuisa Sommerfeld, Anna Maria Pacheco, and Rosalinda Oranday; along with several other cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Pauline Umphress, Nolan Rodrigues, and Eugene Umphress; her grandson, Ryan; and her sisters, Rose Marie, Mary Ann, and Rebecca.

She will be remembered for her strength, her laughter, her creativity, and the unwavering love she gave so freely. Her presence will be deeply missed but forever felt in the lives she touched.