Mary Lavelock, 91, Independence, MO, passed away July 3, 2015. She was born on August 1, 1923, in Kansas City, KS. She graduated from high school in 1941 and entered St. Joseph's Nursing school (1941 – 1944). One of her fond memories is that her grandfather, John Yeatts, helped her pay for nursing school launching her lifetime love and career of nursing and helping people.She belonged to the nurse cadet program after WWII started and completed the Navy Nurse exams. The war ended before her name was selected to go into service. She made lifelong friends with five of the nurses and stayed in contact throughout her life; especially Rommie, aka Annette Josephine Rommelfanger Matheson.On August 30, 1945, she married James Joseph McMahon in Olathe, KS. They were married 12 years and they had 3 sons – James Patrick McMahon, Michael Joseph McMahon, and Daniel John McMahon. Mary managed to raise her 3 wonderful sons while working as a nurse. Notably, Mary was a Registered Nurse (RN) before the invention of Penicillin and was a part of this historical discovery. In 1955, she worked for Dr. Fred Kiger at Research Hospital (OBGYN). The she worked for Dr. Paul Centner from 1959 to 1969. This is where she met her dear friend Joan Wheeler Julian.On January 22, 1969, she married Fla Lavelock . She became an administrator at Mansfield Nursing Home in Mansfield, MO. Some of her happiest memories other than her 3 sons, was when she took a job at Saline Manor in Marshall followed by an administrator position in Excelsior Springs until she went to work with the Division of Aging for the State of Missouri.In addition to Mary's long and decorated nursing career, she was very involved in the Catholic Church, often donating her time and services. Several years ago, Mary took a painting class and her love for painting was obvious. She was an excellent artist and many of her friends and family have one of her precious paintings. Mary loved to paint scenes – winter scenes, old barns, country landscapes, etc. One time she retrieved the wood from a torn down barn and made the frame for the picture of the old barn she painted. She was very creative. She also painted pictures to donate for various Church functions. Mary enjoyed reading and knitting; making many garments which are still treasured today by the recipients.She was predeceased by her parents, William and Zada Huffaker; her husband, Fla Lavelock; her sons James Patrick and Daniel John McMahon.She is survived by her son Michael Joseph McMahon (Mari); two grandchildren, Audra Rose McMahon and Chad (Cathy), one great grandchild Mary Grace McMahon, five sisters, Frances Emberton, Billie Jean Monaco, Elizabeth Chrisman, Ellena Thomas (Ed), and Katherine White; a daughter-in-law, Janice McMahon; a step daughter-in-law, Michele Kist (Larry), four step grandchildren, Melinda Orskog (Michael), Barbara Lavelock (Heath), James Surrette, and Michael (Anita); seven step great grandchildren, Lilly, Owen, Connor, Andrew, Marcus, Vanessa and Andrew; and one step great great grandchild, McKinley. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.Mary's visitation will be held at McGilley and Sheil Funeral Home, 11924 E 47th St., Kansas City, MO on Monday, July 6, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 2200 N Blue Mills Rd, Independence, MO. Burial will follow the Mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO.
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