Mary Teresa Ragusa

Mary was born September 26, 1959, to Pete C. and Nancy R. Ragusa in Kansas City, Missouri. Mary’s childhood was full of love, cultivated by a tight bond with her immediate and extended family. Most Sundays were spent at Grandma’s and Nana’s for Family Dinner and playtime with cousins.

Mary attended Winnetonka High School. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University, she went on to have a career in Payroll at Commerce Bank and H & R Block where she retired in 2012. Mary was very active in her church, St. Gabriel Parish. Mary used her secretarial and payroll skills to serve the lord, most notably with her dedication to the St Vincent De Paul Society where she served as Treasurer. She helped with the food pantry and the Christmas store for kids who were going to have a slim Christmas without the help of the church. Mary was also a member of the Alter Society and St. Elizabeth’s Circle.

Mary was an avid traveler, with those trips taking her across the USA and to places like London, Italy, Germany, and France. She often hosted her friends from faraway places to stay at her home when they came to America. She was the first Air BNB - instead of money, she was paid in love and lifelong friendships.

Mary was a collector, and she LOVED Mickey Mouse! She had a bedroom in her home devoted to her Disney collection that also doubled as a magical playroom for the kids. Our family lovingly referred to this as “The Mickey Room.” Mary had many souvenirs from her travels, that she used to decorate her home with. She could always tell you the history of the souvenirs and fun stories about the trip she had taken. Mary loved to read and had a large collection of books. She dreamed about creating a library in her home. Mary spent many days snuggled together with her Nieces and Nephews reading to them and traveling to magical lands with every page.

Mary was the rock after we lost our mother and then our father. She was the glue that made sure the family holidays were spent together as she hosted them in her holiday-themed home. She wanted every Holiday and Celebration to be special. Mary Believed “Traditions are the stories that families write together.” Mary carried, protected, and created those family stories that will carry on in our hearts and magical memories.

Mary was always “Grateful for Good friends, Good health, Good Food, Good Books, and beautiful Mother Earth.”

This catastrophic loss will be an open wound in our hearts for a long time, if it ever heals! Rest in peace Mary, we will always love you.

Mary is survived by three of her brothers, Charles A., Joseph M, and Anthony P Ragusa. One Sister, Lorraine (Jerry) Miller. Two Nieces, Nanci (Anthony) Circo and Ashley (Matt) Meyers. Three Nephews, Kenneth A Park, Anthony P. Jr, and Sammy Ragusa. Seven great nieces and nephews, Anthony Jr, Adriana, Waylon, Wade, Adi, Bella, and baby Charlotte.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Pete and Nancy Ragusa, brother Pete C. Ragusa Jr., and half-sister, Carla Palmer.

Flowers can be sent in Mary's honor, to White Chapel Funeral Home.