Mary Bowes Buchanan

Mary Bowes Buchanan, 67, of Leawood, KS, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, July 15, 2021, after a year-long battle with metastatic breast cancer. She will forever be remembered as a cherished wife, devoted mother, loving ‘Mimi,’ and friend to all.

Mary was born in Kansas City on March 1, 1954 to Norman and Freda Bowes. The youngest of three, Mary grew up on Rockhill Road, attending St. Francis Xavier grade school, followed by St. Teresa’s Academy (1972) where Mary met her life-long friends. Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree (1976) and her Master’s degree (1982) in speech pathology from Central Missouri State University.

Mary’s career as a speech language pathologist spanned 36 years. She worked in both MO and KS, including Drexel, North Kansas City, and Blue Valley School Districts, finishing her career at Children’s Therapy Group in Overland Park.

Mary met her loving husband, John ‘Buck’, in 1977 in Westport. The two married in 1982 and enjoyed 37 wonderful years of marriage. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Anne and Peter, who were the light of their lives.

Mary was a devout Catholic and active member of Curè of Ars Catholic Church. For over 30 years she was dedicated to her Bible Study group. Mary was blessed with countless friends. She enjoyed her numerous social groups and never met a stranger. She had one of the most infectious and recognizable laughs. Her welcoming personality and playful sense of humor is embedded in our memories forever.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Buck, her father, Norm, and mother, Freda. She is survived by her children Anne Gegen (Ryan); son, Peter (Jordanne); grandchildren Jack, Charlie, and Tommy Gegen; Caroline and Benjamin Buchanan; sister Betsy Hottman (Lowell); brother Jim Bowes (Wendy), and many nieces and nephews. Mary also looked forward to another Buchanan grandchild on the way in September.

Rosary and Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 20, 5-8 PM at Curè of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 66206. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, July 21, 10 AM at Curè of Ars. The family wishes to say thank you for all of the outpouring of affection and prayers. In lieu of flowers, friends may send donations to the Mary Bowes Buchanan Scholarship Fund at St. Teresa’s Academy, 5600 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64113.