Mary Louise Greene

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou) It was natural for Mary Lou Greene, who died March 11, 2020, to live by this quote When we walk into a gathering, people always ask, “How is your Mom?” You honored her every time that question was asked. You understood that she lived Maya Angelo’s quote.

Mary Lou Greene’s life is not only measured by the jobs she held or her civic involvements, but rather in her successes in her life’s mission: raising her children, being a supportive wife and making her grandchildren feel loved.

Growing up in Kansas City, at 72nd and Ward Parkway, she attended St. Elizabeth’s grade school and Southwest High School. As a very independent young lady, she enrolled and graduated from the University of Nebraska earning a degree in Home Economics. She was proud to be a Pi Beta Phi. After college she enlisted in the Navy, stationed in Pensacola, Florida, throughout the war, earning the rank of Lieutenant JG.

After enlisting in the Navy, though they corresponded, she did not see her future husband for many, many months. He called and proposed. They were to meet in NYC to be married. A rendezvous at Grand Central Station, while both on leave, would start them on their life long journey. Mom stood patiently awaiting our dad’s arrival by train. As she waited, she sensed someone beside her. It was our dad, her future husband, bending down to read her bag tags. For, after such a long time not seeing her, he did not recognize her. Yet, she went on to marry him – because of her strong faith in him and her absolute optimism. They were married for 35 years, until his death in 1980.

All of her children can attest to her being the best mom a child could have. She was incredibly patient, raising her five children. She made each of us feel like a favorite, not the favorite, but each special in our own way. She always had time to help us. She could fix anything. No task too great to take on. But, she understood that we needed to be independent. She knew when to step in and when to encourage us. She taught us that life brings challenges but challenges can always be overcome. She was an incredibly self-sacrificing mother, almost to a fault. The ultimate optimist on our life’s journey and along the way she was just pure fun.

She was a woman who wore many hats. She was the den mother in cub scouts, the scout leader in girl scouts, the room mother, the volunteer with Young Matron’s and Minute Center Friendly House, the chauffeur who took us everywhere any anywhere we wanted to go, the cheerleader to all of our activities, the local neighborhood barber to her children’s friends, the travel coordinator, the entertainment director for our family, our Doctor, our nurse, the home maintenance manager and an amazing Chef. She, along with friends, began an investment club (Conservative Capitalists) that lasted for 50 year. She learned to paint in her later years. An avid needlepointer, she did large alphabet samplers when each grandchild was born and enough needlepoint ornaments to fill the Christmas tree.

What a wonderful role model she was to her sons and daughter. She was pure happiness and kindness. She woke up singing as she made breakfast. She was always smiling, a warm smile everyone remembered. She was beautiful, with her inner beauty revealed thru that fabulous smile. She had the benefit of wonderful friendships that she nurtured. She was a bright light in the lives of her friends. Many of her friends were decades old friends. Yet, even in her 90’s she was making new friendships. She was quietly very generous and charitable, supporting among others, Nelson Atkins Museum, Children’s Mercy Hospital and the UMKC Conservatory of Music. And, throughout her life experiences, she never uttered an unkind word about anyone. Her children remained devoted to her.

She is at the center of our memories of growing up on 57th Terrace. Ringing the cowbell to call us home to dinner. The Bermuda bell in her car to call us for pick-ups. Family trips. Boating at the Lake of the Ozarks, Falcon II, with all 7 of us living for the weekend in cramped quarters and loving it. Of her preparing meals in the cramped galley kitchen with only that block of ice for refrigeration. But, we always had dozens of her gumdrop cookies freshly baked on Friday afternoon, to take with us. Car packed, our cloths packed.

There were many family vacations, and often road trips. The Lake. The Dude Ranch. Hawaii. The three week stay on Laguna Beach. Florida. The 1964 World's Fair. Three weeks exploring Africa. (not a road trip!) Someone always got sick. Had to miss out on the planned activities – boating, horseback riding, the cook out. But, she always made you feel like you weren’t missing out, even though sick. She brought the fun of the vacation in to you.

She loved spending time with friends and family in her homes at the Lake of the Ozark and Boca Grande, Florida. She also loved traveling. Though not having left the country before her children were grown (raising her 5 children and supporting her successful entrepreneur husband in his endeavors), she was fortunate to travel with him to Russia, take an Alaskan cruise, visit Spain, Africa and other European countries. After his death her adventures continued with friends sailing The Sea Cloud in the Mediterranean, China, Costa Rica, and South America.

Mary Lou believed “all of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” (Walt Disney). Our mother had such a wonderfully positive attitude, which is a wonderful way to live a bountiful 98 year life.

The Broken Chain, a poem by Ron Tranmer

We little knew the day that

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you

But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you.

The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

Your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one

The chain will link again.

She was a lifetime resident of Kansas City, on both sides of the state line and a longtime member of Visitation Catholic Church. Mary Louise Goddard Greene, (aka Mary Louise, Mary, Mary Lou, and Lulu) born to William J. Goddard and Pearl Louise LaDuc Goddard, October 15, 1921. In 1945 she married Theodore Harding Greene (of York, Nebraska). Together they raised 5 appreciative children: Larry D. Greene (Nilsa), Thomas G. Greene (Pam) Gail L. Cluen (Tom), Ted H. Greene, Jr. (Ann), Douglas C. Greene. (partner Janice). In addition to her children she is survived by, many nieces and nephews, including nieces, Linda Barry Kurzweil (Harold), Anna Greene Hutchinson (Fred) and nephew Mark Barry, 13 grandchildren: Riley Greene (Christy), Lauren Cluen Bauer (Tom), Allison Cluen Smith (Blake), Jack Cluen, Ted Cluen, Andrew Greene (Emily), Charlie Greene, Mike Greene, Ashley Greene, Neil Greene (Ashley), Courtney Greene and 10 great grandchildren plus one on the way.

The family would like to thank the care givers at Claridge Court, Ascend Hospice. And, her primary care givers Angela Givhan, for the tender and loving way you provided for her every need. Mary Lou said it best when she said, “You just cannot image, Angela does so many little things for me to make me feel at home.” Cindy Harrison, for keeping her smile going and providing constant entertainment.

Services will be private, due to Coronavirus. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Children’s Mercy Hospital, 3101 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, Mo, 64111. www.ChildrensMercy.org.

A dream is a wish your heart makes

When you're fast asleep

In dreams you will lose your heartaches

Whatever you wish for, you keep

Have faith in your dreams and someday

Your rainbow will come smiling through

No matter how your heart is grieving

If you keep on believing

The dream that you wish will come true.