Mary was a first-generation American born on February 6th, 1927 to Sicilian immigrants, Mariano and Anna (Mulé) Cirabisi, in the neighborhood known as “Little Italy” of Kansas City, Missouri. Mary overcame very serious childhood illnesses, surviving Typhoid Fever at age 10 and Tuberculosis at the age of 14 where she spent 3 years at the Leeds Sanatorium being cured of the disease. She went on to lead a vibrant life.
She graduated from Manuel High School/Vocational Academy. One of the few Italian-American women from “Little Italy” to further her education, she earned a four-year degree from the Kansas City Art Institute in Fashion Design and Illustration. Upon graduation, she began her professional career designing dresses for the upscale store, Jessie’s on the Plaza and opened her own bridal shop designing custom-made clothing called “To-Maria” which means Mary’s Design. Mary’s lifelong love of designing fashion and of creating an impressive doll collection led her to be affectionately known as “The Doll Lady”.
Mary took many trips to Italy and Sicily in search of extended family she never knew. She was very proud of her heritage and enjoyed promoting the contributions made by all Italian immigrants that came to America in search of a better life.
Although Mary experienced prejudice in her own life, as a devout Christian, she was one of the first to help organize the Kansas City Ethnic Festival, a collaborative effort among many ethnic groups to bring understanding and appreciation between people of different backgrounds. The festival has continued over 40 years and has grown to include more than 50 ethnicities. This is one of Mary’s greatest legacies to the community, drawing thousands of attendants each year.
Mary’s philanthropy did not stop there. With her vast collection of vintage clothing, she had hosted dozens of fashion shows and raised money for children’s homes, breast cancer research, and church restorations.
Mary has always had a pet as a companion. Therefore, in her endeavor to help homeless animals, donated many of her original artworks to raise money for no-kill pet shelters.
Mary’s final achievement, “Destino: From Italy to Kansas City”, written by Mary (Cirabisi) Cona with Becky Brinkley, was published just before she passed. The book chronicles the history of her family in Sicily, Italy and in America, remembering the struggles they encountered, the prejudices that they faced, and their accomplishments.
Mary was known for her warmth, profound generosity and thoughtfulness, her practical intelligence and deep wisdom – a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother, sister-in-law and friend; a mentor, inspiration and constant model of grace, and cheerful kindness to all who knew her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mariano and Anna Cirabisi, her brother Francesco and her husband, Carl Cona. She is survived by her daughter JoAnna (Ron) Cooper, daughter, Carla Cona, son, Mark Cona (Desiree Morgan), granddaughter, Abigail Cona, her sisters-in-law, Fana (Ken) Vogelbaugh, Margaret Reese and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation is to be held Friday, June 18th, 5 to 9 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 19th, 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, 16808 Holmes Road, Belton, MO 64012. The service will be streamed live.
Burial following service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64138.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Do Good Co., 413 East 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108 (a 501c3, nonprofit resale store with all proceeds going to children and no-kill animal shelters), and/or to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.
