Mary Frances Lawrence

May 29, 1947 – December 24, 2025

Mary Francis Lawrence, 78, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025. A longtime resident of the Kansas City area, Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was rooted in faith, service, and love of family.

Mary was born on May 29, 1947, at Bell Memorial Hospital in Rosedale, Kansas (now KU Medical Center), to Jose and Mary Lou Aguilar. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School, graduated from Bishop Lillis High School, attended Donnelly College to complete her prerequisite course work for nursing, and completed her nursing education at St. Margaret’s School of Nursing, where she earned her nursing diploma. A foundation that supported a career she took great pride in.

A devout Catholic, Mary’s faith guided her life. As a teenager, she made a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, an act reflecting the faith and devotion she carried throughout her life.

Mary met her husband and soulmate, John “Jack” Lawrence, at a church function. Together, they built a life firmly rooted in faith, education, laughter, service, and family. They raised their four children with a strong commitment to Catholic values, ensuring their children were educated in Catholic grade schools and high schools. Mary and Jack shared a deep love of history and travel, exploring all 50 states and seven continents together. Their devotion to one another was evident in every aspect of their lives, grounded in faith, learning, joy, and an unwavering partnership

Mary spent more than 45 years as a registered nurse, primarily serving as a cardiology nurse on the night shift. She also worked in home health with Catholic Charities and the Visiting Nurses Association; however, the majority of her career was devoted to the telemetry unit at Bethany Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Mary was deeply proud of her profession and cared for her patients with compassion, confidence, and unwavering dedication. Her commitment to nursing extended beyond her career, as she lovingly cared for many family members at the end of their lives, offering comfort, dignity, and support to both them and their loved ones during their final days.

Mary also found joy in creating handmade treasures that brought warmth and beauty into the lives of those she loved. She lovingly knitted blankets for her children and grandchildren—some becoming cherished baptismal blankets—and crocheted delicate doilies for weddings, showers, Christmas, anniversaries, and her own home. She even made a special Dungeons & Dragons blanket for her husband, Jack. Every gift she made reflected her thoughtfulness, care, and the deep love she carried for her family, leaving behind keepsakes that will always be treasured and remembered.

Mary believed deeply in the power of education and lifelong learning. She encouraged curiosity, growth, and opportunity in her children and grandchildren, always wanting them to reach their fullest potential. Her support went far beyond the classroom—she invested her time, energy, and heart, whether that meant helping with tuition, childcare, school supplies, or rides to make sure no opportunity was missed. Mary also shared her love of adventure and learning as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, introducing her children to hiking, camping, and service while nurturing leadership, independence, problem-solving, and confidence. Through her example, she helped shape strong, capable young adults and created a legacy of encouragement that continues through her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Lawrence; her parents, Jose and Mary Aguilar; her brothers, Anthony and John Aguilar; her daughter, Melissa Heflin; her son-in-law, Rodrick Gonzales; and her great-grandson, Rex Funez.

Mary is survived by her children, Anna M. (Christopher) Burge, Tina L. Gonzales, and John E. Lawrence III; her grandchildren, Johnny D., Kyle, John IV, Kimberly, Andrew, Ambrosia, Allasandra, Arianna, and Anastasia; her 14 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Carmen Diaz-Buffalo and Joseph Aguilar; and many loving family members and friends.

Mary will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering faith, lifelong devotion to her family, and her compassion for others.

A visitation will be held at Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home, located at 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas, 66112, on January 5, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. A rosary will follow at the same location, starting at 6:30 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 9:30 am, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1086 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas, 66112.