Mary Teall McGannon

Mary Barbara Teall McGannon, beloved matriarch and devoted mother, peacefully departed this world on December 3rd at Holy Cross Hospital in Lauderdale By The Sea, Florida. Born on March 9, 1929, in Decatur, Illinois, Mary was the cherished daughter of Lucy and Lawrence Teall, the youngest among her siblings, Rev. Richard S. Teall, C.S.C. and Lawrence Teall, who preceded her in death.

On June 7, 1952, Mary entered into a lifelong partnership with the love of her life, Paul T. McGannon, MD, whom she married and shared a beautiful life with until his passing in 1988. A woman of great intellect, Mary attended St. Teresa’s Academy High School in Decatur, Illinois, and later pursued her education at Maryville College in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mary's passion for education extended to her professional life, where she dedicated herself to teaching kindergarten at Grant Elementary in Decatur and later at Belinder Elementary in Prairie Village, Kansas. Her commitment to education reflected her nurturing and compassionate spirit.

A devoted mother, Mary found joy in raising her five children: Paul (Jessica), Michael (Patty), Stephen, Tom, and Mary Anne. Her role as a mother extended beyond the family home, as she actively volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital and participated in the Rockhurst High School Sale-0-rama. Mary and Paul were long time members of Mission Hills Country Club. Sports, particularly football, held a special place in Mary's heart. She and Paul were avid Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holders, and she could always be found on the sideline bench at Rockhurst High School football games, supporting Paul in his role as the team physician.

Mary's allegiance to Notre Dame football was unwavering, and her family knew better than to disturb her during a game. A devoted Irish fan, she proudly displayed a Notre Dame pennant under the television for good luck.

In 1986, Mary and Paul retired to their beloved Fort Lauderdale, where they had spent many vacations at the Jolly Roger Hotel. Mary formed lifelong friendships at the Fountainhead, and her enthusiasm for life and family created a legacy of love and joy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mary's greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, games of RummiKub, her famous onion dip, and the excitement of scratch-off lottery tickets. Nana, as she was affectionately known, adored the colors blue and white, which reflected in every aspect of her life.

Mary is survived by her devoted children: Paul (Jessica), Michael (Patty), Tom, and Mary Anne. Her grandchildren, Jeremy (Whitney), Paul (Augustine), Mallory (Mark), Thomas (Amanda), Brian, Amelia (Son), Kevin, and Madeline Teall (Michael), and great-grandchildren, Tice, Bella, Oliver, Cole, Scarlett, Sam, George, Charlie, Franklin, Eli, Gage, Boyd, and Henry. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul, her son Stephen, her parents, and siblings.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Angie Glover, Mary's dear caregiver and best friend, for her unwavering support.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00am on Saturday, December 9th followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Stephen McGannon Scholarship at Rockhurst High School, a cause close to Mary's heart, as a tribute to her enduring commitment to education and community.