Mary Elizabeth LeCluyse Kirk, avid Royals' Fan, passed away on May 12.

Born to Charles & Cora LeCluyse on August 12, 1918 she was 99 years & 9 months old.  She graduated from St.Teresa's Academy & in 2015 was honored at the annual school reunion as the only attendee representing the 80th year. In '39 she married Paul Edward Kirk. Mary was a strong, supportive wife as they moved to Canada with their first child where "Ed" trained as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After Pearl Harbor, he transferred to the US Navy. They were stationed in Florida & then California adding 2 children along the way. Moving back to Kansas City after the war they settled in Merriam raising 7 children who attended St. Joseph Catholic School. An excellent seamstress Mary sewed most of hers & her children's clothing. She loved to bowl and carried an average of 154. Mary belonged to the Kansas City Art Association & was an accomplished watercolor artist. She had showings at the Art Images Art Gallery in Westport & exhibited at the Prairie Village, Metcalf & Atchison Art Fairs. She was a weekly adorer at Adoration Chapel, St. Joseph Catholic Church (Shawnee) & volunteered with the Church Resurrection Choir, Card Ministry & St. Mary Food Kitchen.

She is survived by her brother Ed LeCluyse (Anne), children Mary Beth Dolan (Terry), Paul Kirk (Jessica), Cathy Cain, Tom Kirk (Vickie), Marty Bichelmeyer (Joe), Jenny Harris (Rick), Joyce Gonzales (Marty), 20 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, with two on the way.

Ed predeceased Mary in 1965. She is also preceded in death by three brothers, Chuck LeCluyse Len LeCluyse, Bob LeCluyse; two sisters, Joanne Poster and Julia Helms; two grandsons, & several great grandchildren.  When Ed died Mary was left to raise 4 girls still at home. She took a job at Lang Heating & Cooling & learned data entry skills. Taking up golf in her late 60s she played until she was 95. When she retired she began playing twice a week. She also started playing bridge & traveled with a group of friends. Mary was admired & loved by many who are grateful that she touched their lives.

Visitation and Services

A Rosary will be held Thurs. May 17 at 5:30 pm with visitation following from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Dr, Shawnee. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Fri. May 18, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Dr, Shawnee.

Memorial Contributions

Donations in Mary's name may be made to the St. Joseph Guardian Angel Tuition Fund, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203