Mary Christina Stockinger

Born February 24, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas, Chris was the oldest child of Helmer and Katherine Scholdberg. In 2014, she met and married the love of her life, John Stockinger, who remained her devoted partner and caregiver throughout her final years.

A lifelong Catholic, Chris was a faithful member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Gladstone. She attended local Catholic schools, graduated from St. Pius X High School, and earned her Pharmacy degree from UMKC.

Growing up in her father’s drug store, Chris discovered early the calling that would shape her life. She followed in his footsteps, becoming a Registered Pharmacist—a profession she embraced for more than 55 years. She retired from North Kansas City Hospital after nearly four decades of service, later continuing her work at Lafayette Regional Health Center until a massive stroke in 2021.

Chris possessed remarkable drive, conviction, and resilience. She survived cancer four times, fought through countless medical challenges, and faced each day with gratitude for the life God continued to grant her. Her strength, combined with the unwavering care of her husband and dedicated caregivers, allowed her to remain at home for most of her illness—something she deeply cherished.

Her expertise made her a trusted source of medical and pharmaceutical guidance for friends and family. Yet Chris’s life extended far beyond her profession. She was a licensed pilot who loved to fly, an adventurer who traveled the world, and a woman whose heart was forever drawn to St. Maarten, her favorite destination for more than 30 years. She delighted in its beaches, sunshine, surf, shopping, and seafood—and even more so in sharing those trips with John, family, and friends.

Chris was generous with her time, her care, and her love. As a young woman, she helped her mother raise her younger siblings. Later in life, she cared for her mother and naturally stepped into a matriarchal role, supporting her family with wisdom, strength, and devotion. She maintained close bonds with her siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, always showing up with humor, warmth, and a listening ear.

Known for her witty sense of humor, Chris made friends wherever she went and kept in touch with people across the world. Her kindness, intelligence, and spirited personality left a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Chris is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband John; her brothers Carl, Eric, Kurt, and Jon; her sister Karin; thirteen nieces and nephews; and twenty-three great-nieces and great-nephews.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, faith, and love. Her family and friends will forever remember her as a fighter, a caregiver, a traveler, a pharmacist, a pilot, and a woman whose gratitude for life never dimmed.

A visitation for Chris will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, as well as a Rosary from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119, graveside services will immediately follow in the White Chapel Cemetery (across from the church). The family has invited everyone to join a luncheon at St. Andrew to further celebrate the life of Mary following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or the City Union Mission in memoriam.