Mary Frances O’Donnell, 90, passed away July 5, 2018 of natural causes. Visitation will be at 9am Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Kansas City, MO with Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family requests contributions to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Mary was a lifelong area resident. She and her siblings were raised in the Westport area by her parents, Frank and Mary. She graduated Lillis High School in 1945. Employed by the UMKC Bookstore, she attained the position of Book Buyer, which she held until she retired. Mary loved her church and her family. She was a founding member of the St. Regis Catholic Church, and a member of the Kansas City Turners. She thoroughly enjoyed playing Bridge with many friends throughout the years. She loved to travel, enjoyed her daily crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Merlin; her daughter, Marsha Ann Crum; her sister, Ann; her brother Ed and her parents. She is survived by her sister Rose; her children, Denise Rigdon (Terry), Tom O’Donnell (Stephanie), Pat O’Donnell (Kris), and Kerrie O’Donnell; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.