Mary Elizabeth (Center) Crocker

Mary Elizabeth (Center) Crocker, age 98, of Leawood, Kansas passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023. Mary was born December 29, 1924, in a home in Northeast Kansas City. She went to St. Aloysius grade school and high school. (St. Aloysius best school in the west). She claimed they tore down the 2 schools after she graduated.

Mary married Art Crocker on April 24, 1946, and they moved to Independence, Missouri for the rest of their lives. Art died in February 2007 after 62 years of marriage. Mary stayed at home until she moved to “The Groves”.

Mary had one brother, but considered Art’s brothers and sisters her extended family and what an extended loving family they were.

Mary was a member of Nativity of Mary Catholic Church for over 70 years. If there were organizations involving, her kid’s school and her church family, she took part. She loved to bowl and did so into her eighties. Quilting was another church pastime. She said the ladies every Tuesday solved all the problems of the world.

Getting her family together for Easter, Christmas, birthdays, picnics or events at church was a delight. Making her monthly birthday calls to family and friends was a must. She said it’d saved stamps that way.

Mary was preceded in death by Art Crocker, her folks (Mom and Pop Center) and her brother, George.

She is survived by four children, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Mary wrote this obituary, and her last wishes were “Wear no Black with bright colors and she wants to thank my biological family and church family for being my support system over the years. With them everything and anything was possible. God bless you all.”

Services for Mary will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10021 E. 36th Terrace S., Independence, Missouri 64052. A Mass of Christian burial will occur at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior. A committal service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri 64138.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Nativity of Mary Church Capital Campaign Fund. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilleySheil.com for the Crocker family.