Rosemary Dunleavy

Rosemary was born on February 14th (Valentine’s Day) 1929, the only child of Thomas J. Meehan and Leona G. Meehan, (nee Valasek). She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of a Union Pacific Railroad engineer, and a homemaker. After graduating from Cathedral High Academy, she entered Duchesne College and then went to St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing (Creighton University), where she met the love of her life, James (Jim) D. Dunleavy, who was attending Creighton’s School of Medicine. Rosemary and Jim married in 1950, and following Jim’s graduation from Medical School, the two embarked on their journey together, with their first stop being Powell, Wyoming, where Jim established his medical practice. A year later, Rosemary and Jim, with two sons in tow, relocated to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, compliments of the United States Army. After a one year stint at Ft. Sam, Rosemary and Captain Jim were transferred to Ft. Riley, Kansas, with a third son now added to their platoon. Son number four joined the ranks at Ft. Riley, before Captain Jim mustered out of the Army and moved the family to Kansas City, where he opened his medical practice. A few years later, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, born on the same day, a year apart.

Kansas City became Rosemary’s permanent home for the next sixty seven years of her life. Rosemary also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at her house at The Lake of the Ozarks. It would take multiple pages to cite all of the friendships she made, the organizations she was involved with, and the journeys she experienced. She was, and we are, deeply appreciative of everyone who counted her as their friend, especially the “Crew from the Old Neighborhood” (Indian Heights), her “Italian Girls”, and “More Friends”. And a very special thanks to her close friend and spiritual counselor, Father Patrick Rush. Following the untimely death of her husband in 1985, Father Rush offered Rosemary a position at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, her home Parish. Being a part of the Parish staff, for a number of years, was a true godsend for Rosemary. The Dunleavy family is eternally grateful for the love and support she received, as well as the lifelong friendships that were cultivated while at St. Thomas More. We are also thankful for the outstanding, professional care and compassion that Rosemary received from all of her caregivers at Village Shalom, Catholic Health Services, and The Atriums.

Those who knew Rosemary are aware that her faith in Jesus Christ, and her family were the focal points of her life. She was a dedicated mother of six, who exuded endless energy keeping her large family unit glued together. She hosted EVERY holiday party until, in her early 90’s, she could no longer live in her home. Two days before her death, she was able to attend the Dunleavy Family Christmas Party, which was held in her old home of fifty five plus years, now owned by her grandson. She managed to joyfully interact with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and Santa, for over five hours. Her parting words were; “Keep this going”.

We will, Mom.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughters-in-law Lauren Dunleavy and Teresa Dunleavy. She is survived by her sons, Thomas J. Dunleavy, Kansas City, Missouri, John R. Dunleavy, Olathe, Kansas, James D. Dunleavy (Connie), Stilwell, Kansas, and Stephen M. Dunleavy (Lisa), Overland Park, Kansas. Daughters, Dixie A. Coleman (Doug), Kansas City, Missouri, Rosemarie Allen (Clayton), Olathe, Kansas. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 23 (so far) great grandchildren. Not too shabby for an only child.

Favorite family quote from Rosemary: “All of these kids, and not an ugly one in the bunch.”

Services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131 on Friday, January 3rd. A visitation will occur at 9:30AM will a funeral mass following at 10:30AM. A committal service will follow after the mass at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131. Family and friends are also invited to a luncheon in the More Hall to continue sharing memories about her life.