Marion A. Kelley Cordes

Marion A. Kelley Cordes, 90, Lake Tapawingo, Mo., peacefully passed away at home July 29, 2012. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, with rosary at 7 p.m. at McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, Kan. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, with interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Marion was born Aug. 5, 1921, to Thomas M. and Mary Lee Kelley, in Kansas City, Mo. A graduate of St. Aloysius High School, she attended St. Teresa's College, where she studied art. During World War II, she headed the Art Department at the Lake City Arsenal. She later worked as an illustrator for TWA Airlines and Edward Keith Furniture, and modeled through Patricia Stevens Model Agency. Marion met her future husband and love of her life, Carl J. Cordes, Jr., in 1946. They were married for nearly 64 years, and raised eight children, providing them a powerful example of faith, love, and devotion. Carl died last year. Marion had a generous, tender spirit and a quiet, Irish sense of humor. Whatever she touched she made beautiful. She was an artist, an excellent cook, and a very loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed. Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her daughter, Annette Von Lintel; her parents; two sisters and a brother. She is survived by two sons, Carl J. Cordes III and Rev. John Cordes; five daughters, Marion Shea (John), Colleen Cordes (Robert Engelman), Linda Cordes (Robert Simms), Susan Farley (Dohn), and Polly Mandl (Richard); son-in-law, Alan Von Lintel; 10 grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.