Peggy Rafter Massman

Peggy Rafter Massman peacefully departed this world on December 22, 2016, leaving a legacy of love for family and friends to enjoy and rejoice in her abundant generosity of spirit, kindness toward others, and enduring faith as an example to all.

Peggy was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on July 13, 1932, to Charles and Lucille Rafter. As the child of a bank examiner who traveled the country, she moved to Kansas City at the age of 5. One of the first communicant classes of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, she moved shortly thereafter to initiate a lifelong commitment to Visitation Parish, and graduated in the same class as many lifelong friends, including Henry (Bud) Massman, her future husband.

Peggy graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in 1949 and Creighton University in 1953, where she starred in numerous productions, including “Kiss Me Kate” and “She Stoops to Conquer,” among others. On June 22, 1957 she married Henry Joseph Massman III, to whom she was married for nearly 30 years, until he predeceased her in 1988. She treasured her role as wife, mother, and grandmother, to inspire us all.

During her life, she was involved in countless volunteer activites, including helping to establish the Highlawn Montessori School. She remained committed to numerous organizations throughout her life, including St. Teresa’s Academy, Rockhurst University, Rockhurst High School, Children’s Mercy Hospital, The Junior League, the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, the Children’s Place, the University of Notre Dame, and the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Peggy would consider her most important legacy as mother to Mary Massman Rooney (Tim), Kathryn Massman Hilliard (Rich), Henry Joseph Massman IV (Jackie) and Amy Massman Crilly (Steve); and as Grandmere to Franci, Timothy, Megan, and Joseph Rooney; Henry, Jack, and Mary Hilliard; Thomas, Michael, Matthew, and Gregory Massman; and Patrick and Jack Crilly.

We thank Granmere for her remarkable example of living a Christian life and love, and will do our best to adhere to her mantra to “Do the best you can and then (you) pray a lot.”

Rosary will be prayed Wednesday, December 28, at 6:00 pm, at Visitation Church, 5141 Main Street, Kansas City, MO with visitation following until 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 29, at 10:00 am, at the church. The family would like to extend special thanks to all who helped care for Peggy, especially Maggie and Bonnie. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 8745 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City, MO, 64138; www.littlesistersofthepoorkansascity.org/donations/. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.