Mary Ann Pfitzner

Mary Ann was born on March 16, 1937, the oldest daughter of John H. “Jack” Hinds and Thecla (Rapacz) Hinds, and grew up in North Kansas City, MO. She attended Crestview School and graduated North Kansas City High School in 1955 and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southwest Missouri State University (SMS) in 1959. Later, she earned her Masters Degree from Webster’s University.

While attending SMS, she met her husband Edward and they were married at The Catholic Cathedral in downtown Kansas City on August 20, 1960. Not long after, she became the mother of 2 boys, Daniel and Brian. More recently, she and Ed celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with many family members and friends in attendance.

After graduation, Mary Ann started teaching at Barry Elementary School in Springfield MO followed by a move to North Kansas City schools where she taught at Crestview, Davidson, Faubian, and finally at Nashua Elementary School as a Kindergarten teacher to finish out her 42-year-long career. She taught well beyond her retirement time, as she loved her students and enjoyed teaching so very much.

In 1999 she was awarded the Albert Shanker Award as Teacher of the Year for her outstanding job of teaching her kindergarteners not only the curriculum basics but how to read and write at that early stage. The Principal at Nashua School, Marjorie Guterius wrote: "She has taught kindergarten for over thirty years, her techniques are a compilation of workshops, research that she has done on her own, and the enthusiasm of trying something new. I had to order an alphabet from the first-grade curriculum for Mary Ann to use as her kindergarten students were this proficient towards the end of the year."

After retirement, Mary Ann stayed active as a volunteer for The Assistance League of Kansas City (The Resale Shop), and related activities, as well as being a member of the Kansas City Symphony Guild. But with all of this, her love was her family and her house (home) and she was constantly seeking ways to improve, decorate and maintain. Mary Ann was a workaholic and had the energy that would even give "The Energizer Bunny" a run for its money. She rarely sought praise, was shy, and in-actuality did not want any public recognition and preferred to remain in the background, although she did not realize that she usually was the driving force of many endeavors.

She was also a very devout Catholic and was a Minister of Communion at St. Charles Parish. She enjoyed Scripture Study with others and with Fr. Garry Rickmeier conducting, as well as socializing with the group. Mary Ann contributed to charities for the disadvantaged, elderly, and ill, particularly with Fr. Rickmeier’s work in the Diocese and at his parish. Mary Ann was always concerned more about those in need other than herself. Even after suffering the stroke and with her memory being impaired, she would still try and “feel guilty” about not being able to do more for others.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Edward W. Pfitzner; son, Brian K. Pfitzner; daughter-in-law, Cathy Pfitzner; Grandson, Zach A. Pfitzner; brother, James Hinds and wife Joan Hinds; sisters Carol Hinds and Jan Meyer (Hinds); brothers-in-law, John Pfitzner, Mike Pfitzner, and William Meyer.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 11th, at the McGilley Antioch Chapel from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Fr. Garry will be officiating here and will also conduct the Funeral Mass at St. Charles Church on Saturday, November 12th at 10:00 AM. Cremation, Private internment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Kansas City Assistance League, Kansas City Symphony Guild, or other organizations that Mary Ann supported which would also include donations to Fr. Garry for his work at The Precious Blood House at Liberty, Mo.