Mary O'Donnell

Mary J. O'Donnell, 79, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 11, 2010. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. Visitation will be held Monday, November 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Church, where a Prayer Service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mary was born to Rose Twomey O'Donnell and Leo A. O'Donnell on August 12, 1931, in Kansas City, Mo. Mary was the youngest of 3 children and only daughter. Her brothers, Jerry and Leo, were 6 and 7 when she was born. She was her parents' special star and her brothers' special toy. Her family was exceptionally close and subsequently her 2 brothers' families (wives and children) were all very close, even down to being next door neighbors while the children were young.

At 18, Mary joined the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Music was a major part of her life while in the convent. At one point, while in Chicago, she was leading 2 girls' choirs and 2 nuns' choirs (while at the same time acting as Principal of St. Daniel's and Superior of the Convent)! She furthered her education as she was moved to different assignments around the country, eventually obtaining a BA in Math, MA in Science, and ABD in Educational Administration and Curriculum. Mary left the convent in 1976 to care for her invalid mother. In KC, she continued her career at St. Augustine's Elementary School, Rockhurst University, Oxford Park Academy, and the KC School District. Mary was a very active leader/mentor/member of many groups and organizations, too many to enumerate. Most recently, she was involved with RCIA, Prayer Group, Single Women's Group, and Annual Animal Blessing at St. Thomas More, YMCA, and was an associate of the SCL's until her death.

Mary had many gifts, among them a brilliant mind and charismatic personality up until the very end. Being 100% Irish, she loved to talk, tell stories, and had an extraordinary sense of humor. Having 6 terminal conditions the last year of her life, she enjoyed saying, "I ask God all the time, Can't you just pick one and stick with it?"

Everyone in her life, relative or friend, went away thinking they were her favorite and most special. And they WERE! Mary was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, and a nephew. She is survived by her sisters-in-law: Virginia O'Donnell and LaVone O'Donnell, 8 nieces, 2 nephews, and many grandnieces and grandnephews, ALL of whom were the most special to her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Thomas More Parish or Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S 4th St, Leavenworth, Ks 66048- 5054