Mary "Betty" Elizabeth Bender O'Dowd

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) O’Dowd, 96, left this life Monday, September 3, 2012 at Emeritus Memory Care Community in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born June 3, 1916 to Eugene Bender and Mary Johanna (Mamie) Kramer, in Kansas City, Kansas; she graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1934.

Betty married Michael James O’Dowd in 1934, who preceded her in death in 1975. Together they founded Justithe, a fundraising business based in Kansas City, helping to build Catholic churches and schools in North America for over 25 years. They enjoyed collecting fine antiques, ultimately retiring from the fundraising business to own O’Dowd’s Antiques, on Westport Road in Kansas City, Missouri. After her husband’s death, she worked at Children’s Mercy Hospital and was an active member of The Century Club. Betty was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, and an active participant in The Spirit Movers. She loved her two cats, Inky and Precious.

Betty is survived by her devoted and loving brother, Gene Bender whom along with his wife, Marilyn has provided love and care during her later years of life. Also providing much love and care was her niece Sharon Smith and husband Lou, niece Lynn (Ryan) Bender and nephew Stephen (Brandon and Nicole) Bender. She will be missed by her son, Richard and wife Karen of Bradenton, FL., along with three grandchildren, Laura (Jim) Lewakowski, John (Sue) O’Dowd, and Kathleen (Glenn) Spiegler; eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 7th, 10:30 a.m., at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 West 103rd Street, Overland Park, KS, 66214. Family and friends may pay their respects at the church an hour before the service. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Odyssey Hospice, 8735 Rosehill Road, Lenexa, KS, 66215 or Children's Mercy Hospital.