Mary Kathryn (Redmond) Coakley, Olathe, Kansas, passed away on March 5, 2023. A private Funeral Mass will take place at Santa Marta Chapel, 13800 W. 116th Street, Olathe, Kansas on Monday, March 20, 2023. Following the Mass there will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends at 1:45 pm on Monday, March 20th at the Santa Marta Chapel. Her remains will be donated to the KU Alzheimer’s Research Program. Interment will be at a later date at Holy Angels Cemetery, Basehor, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mary K. was born November 6, 1934 in the home of her parents Frank and Prudence (McAtee) Redmond in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from St. Benedicts Grade and Ward High Schools. Following high school, she joined the Sisters of Charity and taught in Montana and Wyoming while continuing her college education at St. Mary’s college in Leavenworth, Kansas. Mary K. was an incredible teacher who inspired numerous young lives with her bright smile, warm words, and nurturing love.
In 1958, she met Norman Coakley at the Redemptorist Social Club. They were married June 18, 1960 at St. Theresa Catholic Church with her brother, Father Donald Redmond (OSB) officiating. In 1964, the family of three moved to Falls Church, Virginia. While there, three more children were born. In 1971, they returned to Kansas purchasing a home in Overland Park, where they lived for 42 years attending Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In 1976, she started working as an Information Specialist at the Corinth branch of the Johnson County Library.
Mary K. was an avid reader and very athletic. She played team basketball before Ward had a girls’ basketball program, and coached her daughters volleyball teams. She bowled, played tennis and achieved a golf hole-in-one in 1982. She was a past president of the St. Andrews Women’s golf league. She enjoyed the many family camping trips across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
She retired in 1994, after 18 years of service at the library and she and Norm enjoyed cruises to Alaska, the Greek Islands, and the Caribbean. They toured Ireland, Europe, Hawaii, Costa Rico, Australia, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico.
In 2012, they moved to Santa Marta retirement community where she served on the Resident Council. Mary K. has always been involved with her church. She and Norm served as lead couples in the Marriage Preparation Program, were active in Marriage Encounter, and sang in the choir. With grace, wisdom, and generosity she raised 5 children in a loving home, dedicating her life to serving her family and practicing her Catholic faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and 5 brothers. She is survived by her husband, Norm; daughters, Virginia Ann Williams (Tom), Kathryn Louise Alexander (Mark), Lorraine Christine Guadagnano (Sam) and Mary Celeste Miles (Macy); son, Thomas Michael (Rebecca); 10 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Coakley family.
