Julie Anne McGuire

Julie Anne McGuire (née LaPre), age 71, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Born on April 5, 1954, in Newmarket, England, she brought joy and warmth into the lives of all who knew her.

Julie was born into a military family and moved around quite a bit in her younger years as a result. She graduated from Knob Noster High School in 1972 and moved to Kansas City in 1976. Shortly after that move, she met the love of her life, Steve McGuire, and they were married August 9th, 1980. He will love and miss her forever.

Julie spent her early career with Home Interiors and Gifts before getting hired on at Stuifbergen Bulb Co., where her creativity and dedication left a lasting impression. She was with them for 32 years until she retired in 2020. Beyond her professional life, she was known for her vibrant spirit and generous heart.

She found great joy in volunteering at Shep’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, where her compassion for animals shone brightly. Julie also loved gardening and could be found outside tending to her personal garden, weather permitting during the Spring and Summer months. Later in life, she found great joy in making jewelry. She often rented booths at craft shows to sell her wares. She was just as well known for making friends as she was her jewelry at those shows. Beyond that, she enjoyed movies and music, and most of all, spending time with friends and family. Her home was often filled with laughter and love—a reflection of the energy she brought to every gathering. Her girl’s night out parties in the early 2010’s are the stuff of legends, even to this day.

Julie is lovingly remembered by her children: Jennifer Madrid, Sean McGuire, and Amy McGuire; her grandchildren: Stephen Madrid, Jonathon Madrid, and Rachel Madrid; her great-grandchildren: Ethan, Emiliano, Ruben, and Liliana; and her brother, John (Kelly) Marchand as well as countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ida and Jim Marchand.

Those who knew Julie will remember her as kind-hearted, caring, and full of life. Her friends—and even her children’s friends—often spoke of how much fun she was to be around. Whether hosting a party or simply sharing a conversation over a glass of wine, Julie exuded warmth that made everyone feel welcome. Her favorite saying captured the essence of how she lived: “Always be happy, don't be sad... because life is really really good.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home, located at 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64133. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, located at 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64138.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Shep’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary.

Julie’s memory will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those who were fortunate enough to know her.