Mary Edith Lillis

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at McGilley Memorial Chapel-Midtown, 20 W. Linwood, KCMO 64111, with a Rosary at 7p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. on Friday, October 26 at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main Street, KCMO 64112. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to The Kansas City Rose Society, C/O Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112.

Mary Edith was born on August 30, 1932, the first of 7 children to John and Mary Edith Lillis. That earned her the title of the older sister that lasted until now. She was always the example of how to do things the right way. First, through her education at St. Elizabeth Grade School, Bishop Hogan and St Teresa’s High Schools, and graduation from Avila University, through her working career, and all of the wide range of activities that she was so closely involved. She was an inspiration and a supporting force for all of her siblings, nieces, nephews, great- nieces, great-nephews, and the abundance of friends and coworkers. She was always there and each of us would think that we might be her favorite, but in reality all of us were her favorites. She truly practiced "love thy neighbor as thy self".

Mary Edith worked for over 50 years for the City of Kansas City, MO. She began as a Swimming Pool Attendant in the summers of 1950-52; followed by Drama Technician, Recreation Supervisor, and rising through the ranks to become Superintendent of Recreation. She eventually became Manager of Specialized Services for Parks and Recreation. She was responsible for the coordination of many events including the Mayors Inaugurations, Inaugural Balls, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfasts, Mayor’s Ethnic Enrichment Festivals other receptions, cultural activities, socials and special events.

She was an ambassador for the City through her affiliation with the Sister City Association Board, the National League of Cities, membership in the Academy of Underwater Arts & Science, and the international NOGI award for excellence in sports and her distinguished service. After retirement she continued to support her city as a volunteer by continuing to work on many of these projects. Her last involvement was in June when she sponsored the University of Kansas team in the Dragon Boat races that have become a fixture in our City. She was even there to root them on.

Mary Edith was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John R. Lillis and Michael Lillis; sister-in-law, Janet Lillis; nephews, Timothy Lillis and John M. Lillis. She is survived by sisters, Sheila (Lillis) Lyons and Ann Lillis; brothers, Lawrence and Patricia Lillis and Daniel and Judith Lillis; nieces and nephews, Patrick & Gail Lyons, Kasey & Catherine(Lyons) Geary, Walter & Ann(Lyons) Hernandez, Paul & Kimberly Lyons, Carol Lillis, Sheila Lillis, Cathleen Lillis, Steven & Gretchen(Lillis) Gafrick, Scott Lillis & Jean Gorton; great-nieces and nephews, Michael & Marina Lyons, Jonathan & Brittany Lyons, Luke & Sara(Lyons) Emerson, Andrew Lyons, Stephen Lyons, Alexis Geary, John Geary, Gabriela Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, Isabel Lyons, David Lyons, Matthew Gafrick and Andrew Gafrick. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, 816-753-6200.