Margaret Ann Lightner

Margaret (Maggie) Ann Lightner was born May 30, 1950 in Kansas City, MO and passed away unexpectedly and peacefully January 30, 2022 in Overland Park, KS. Her sudden death is a reminder that each day together is a Blessing.

Maggie was the third of six children born to Carl and Benita Wilson. Maggie grew up in a close, Catholic community in northeast Kansas City, MO where Maggie attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated from Cardinal Glennon High School. She was the most loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was beautiful. In every way.

Maggie always looked for the good in everyone and every situation. She forgave easily and loved her family, deeply. Maggie enjoyed “going to the boat for just an hour,” family card game nights, fresh flowers (especially tulips and roses), holidays with family and friends, a good gin and tonic (now and then), making her famous chocolate chip brownies, making John his pineapple-upside-down cake, watching Hallmark movies, sneaking in a Wendy’s Frosty (anytime), KC Chiefs games, shopping for bargains, church, books by Danielle Steel and anything Chocolate (especially M&Ms).

She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Cynthia Pounds.
Mourning Maggie's loss are husband of nearly 42 years, John Lightner; her two sons, Edmund Vazquez and Paul Vazquez and his wife, Audrey; her stepdaughters Erika Lightner Conran and Nicole Lightner Spaller; her grandchildren Edison Vazquez, Claresa (Esa) Vazquez, Chase Vazquez, Lyla Vazquez, Morgan Conran, Madison Conran, and Alexandria Spaller; her brother, Carl Wilson and wife, Kathy; her three sisters: Barbara Beach and husband Joe, Liz Davis and husband Mike, and Teresa Germinder and husband Bob; and her brother-in-law Tim Pounds. Maggie was also blessed with many nieces and nephews and a large extended family that will miss her, dearly. Her best friends Margaret Johnson- Kensington, Carol Williams, Joyce Harris and Lillian Rael also mourn her passing and the loss of a lifetime friend.

“Sweet” Maggie’s kind smile, her “Everything will be OK” attitude, her enduring Faith, and her endless Love for her family and friends will continue to be remembered in the hearts of those she touched.  Maggie was a gift to those of us who knew her. She will be loved and missed, dearly.  Maggie constantly encouraged Us, each, to see the best in each other, to forgive each other, and to respect our differences. She lived a full life and reminded us constantly to “count our Blessings".  She wanted Us, each, to remember her smiling.

Per Maggie’s wishes, her body was cremated in a private ceremony with her immediate family. There will be a private Celebration of Life - at a later date.