Lauren Beth Swartz Dunleavy

Lauren Beth Dunleavy, 57, passed away April 20, 2010 at the Kansas City Hospice House, after a long-fought, 14 year, battle with cancer. Lauren, “YaYa”, “Punky”, was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 25, 1952 to Albert and Janet Swartz. She graduated from Center High School in the spring of 1970. From there, Lauren attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. In 1974, she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1980. From 1975-1980, Lauren worked for the DeSoto School District where she taught Vocational Studies, with an emphasis on early childhood development. She spent her afternoons coaching volleyball, track and cheerleading. In 1980, she founded the Punkin Patch Daycare Center which she directed for 25 years. Punkin Patch was recognized as the first accredited infant-toddler program in the Kansas City area and continues to be a staple within the community. Other accomplishments/affiliations include; the Community Service Award from the Greater Kansas City Association for the Education of Young Children, Junior League- Child Care Priority Group, recipient of the Women of Rockhurst Award and was a charter member for the Metropolitan Council of Child Care. She was recently recognized by the city of Kansas City, Missouri for her lifelong dedication to early childhood development. Lauren’s favorite pastimes included running, trips to the Lake of the Ozarks and Sanibel Island, reading, playing cards, lunch dates with the girls and spending time with loved ones. The dignity and grace she showed throughout her illness will continue to inspire those who knew her. Lauren will be remembered for her positive outlook on life and her special little chats with so many. Lauren is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Tom, son, Jerod and daughter, Morgin. She leaves behind a large and devoted family including siblings, Jody (Tom), Marc (Crissy), Greg (Nan), Randy (Sandy), Terri (Don), Marty (Lynn) and Todd (Cheryl), mother in-law, Rosemary, in-laws, John and Teresa, Steve and Lisa, Jim and Connie, Dixie and Doug, Rosemarie and Clayton along with 33 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews and BFF’s Jan, Gigi and Debbie. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Janet Swartz and father in-law, Dr. James Dunleavy. Visitation will be held Monday April 26, from 5-8 pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday April 27, at 10 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Interment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Road. The family would like to thank ManorCare, Homestead Assisted Living and Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care for their wonderful care. Special thanks to all family and friends for their unconditional love and support throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorial donations to be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas 75265-0309. Online condolences may be made to www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.