Mary Louise Bolin

Mary Louise Bolin, 96, the eldest of 3 daughters gifted by the grace of God to Fred and Lucille Schorfheide, passed away on January 5, 2024. She is now joyfully in Heaven ready to experience a well-earned eternal existence with the love of her life, who has been patiently waiting 10 years to be reunited with his “Queenie”. Mary was born and raised in Kansas City, receiving a strong Catholic upbringing along with her 2 sisters, Helen (Sam) McKee (both deceased) and Sr. Ann Schorfheide, CSJ. These strong values and her faith in God would be guiding principles throughout her life. A deep devotion to her namesake, Mother Mary, was shared with husband, John, and reflected throughout their 65-year marriage. She attended St. Augustine Grade School and graduated from Bishop Hogan High School where she was crowned Prom Queen in 1945. Mary worked at the Nelly Don Garment Company in the mid 40’s and her beautiful looks caught the eye of one Private First Class, John Bolin Jr., who had recently returned from combat in WWII. Mary and John were wed shortly after on April 3, 1948 and moved to the new suburbs of KC on the Kansas side. They raised 7 children in whom they instilled their love of Jesus Christ and were blessed with 19 grandchildren. Mary & John were founding members of Cure of Ars Parish, where all of their 7 children graduated from. Proud of each of them, Mary was quick to point out that they were all college graduates! While raising the kids at what was affectionately called by Dad the “Bolin Home for Infants”, (later renamed “Crumbly Manor”), Dad traveled weekly, yet Mom still had the desire, drive and energy to give of her time and treasure. She was deeply involved with charitable works at Rockhurst High School, St Teresa’s, St Joseph Hospital, and the Ladies of Charity. She loved to play a strong hand of Bridge and rattle the bowling pins with her Cure Bowling team at Ranchmart Bowling Alley.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John; sister, Helen McKee; and grandson, Brian Philipps. She is survived by children, John III (Jane) Bolin, Susan (Jerry) Lee, Carole (Gary) Philipps, Patrick Bolin, Christopher (Cheryl) Bolin, Andrew (Michelle) Bolin and Matthew (Janis) Bolin, 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

The family wishes to thank the wonderfully caring staff at Village Shalom. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and condolences left at mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Visitation is at Cure of Ars on Friday, January 12 from 5-7 pm and Saturday beginning at 10:00 am, followed by praying the Rosary at 10:45 and funeral mass at 11:00 am. Mass will be Youtube livestreamed at www.cureofars.com/funeral.