Patricia M. Lillis

Patricia M. “Pat” Lillis peacefully passed away on Friday morning, July 24, 2026. As was only fitting, she was surrounded by her beloved and loving children. Pat’s strong faith sustained her throughout her life and also at her death, drawing her last breath as the priest finished his final prayer.

Pat was born Mary Theresa Barbara Slocum on August 14, 1935, in St. Louis, MO to Arthur and Mary Slocum. The story goes that her grandfather took one look at her, pronounced “She looks like a Pat,” and so she was called Pat ever since. Pat loved her hometown of St. Louis and grew up enjoying the city with her older brother Art and many life-long school friends. She attended All Saints Catholic Grade School and then graduated from Mercy High School in 1953. Pat also attended Fontbonne University, an all girls private Catholic college.

In the early years of the aviation industry, Pat left St. Louis to become a stewardess for Trans World Airlines (TWA). It was while working in Kansas City, that she met and fell in love with her husband of sixty-two years, Thomas Francis Lillis. Family was the most important thing to both Pat and Tom, and together they raised eight children – one girl and seven boys – a large, lively, and loving family.

Motherhood was Pat’s main calling, but she also filled her time with many different activities throughout her life. For many years when her children were in school, she volunteered as a teacher’s assistant and was a member of the PTA. She spent countless hours watching sporting events – everything from Little League games to swim meets to high school basketball games and soccer matches. And as her children grew, the attendance at sporting events extended to grandchildren’s activities. Pat was also a long time member of Ladies of Charity of Kansas City (her favorite Catholic women’s organization), helping with projects to serve the needy in KC. As a caring member, she continued her support long past the time when she could participate in person. Pat also loved to have fun and socialize, so she found several ways to relax and enjoy herself. She played golf frequently and was an avid bridge player, enjoying her long membership at Blue Hills Country Club.

Pat had the ability to make everyone feel welcome in her home. Whether you were family or a friend, Pat would make you feel comfortable to be with her. She loved hosting large family events (and with eight children plus spouses plus grandchildren, they were large!) and often included others who might not have a place to celebrate a holiday or special event. Pat was known for her caring heart, and it was clearly evident in the way she treated everyone.

Family was always the true center of Pat’s life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Nothing made her happier than spending time with those she loved. Whether it was a casual summer pool day or a special holiday dinner, she enjoyed all the action and all the personalities. And anyone could be the victim of her quirky and playful sense of humor! She was welcoming, gracious, fun to be with – and everyone (both family and friends) always wanted to come back after their time at the Lillis home.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Francis Lillis, Sr.; her oldest son, Thomas Francis Lillis, Jr.; her brother, Arthur George Slocum; and her parents, Arthur and Mary (Grossheider) Slocum.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Kimberly Nee (Jon); Steven (Jenny); Mark (Kimberly); Joseph (Christy); Timothy (Pat); David (Paula); Paul (Inger); and daughter-in-law, Patti Lillis. Pat was also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Jon (Kelly), James, Jackson, T.J., Erin, Kelsey, Lillian, Eleanor, Justin (Alicia), Garrett, Jackson, Joey (Sydney), Jacob (Ali), Lauren, Omar, Nathan, Cade, Liam, Gavin, Mason, Alyssa (Paul), Gabriel, Finley, and Samantha.

All of Pat’s family would like to thank the kind staff at Brookdale Wornall Place for the care they gave Pat in the last years of her life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at St. Thomas More Parish, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow Mass in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Raytown, MO.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, 9720 West 87th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212.