Mary Margaret Cornelius

Mary Margaret Flaherty Cornelius, 88, passed away peacefully at her home at the Atriums in Overland Park, KS on November 19, 2012. Mary was born on October 17, 1924 at home in Kansas City, KS (KCK) to Margaret Dougherty Flaherty and Daniel Leo Flaherty. She was raised in KCK and graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1942 and then earned a degree at Kansas City University (UMKC) in Literature.

Mary was an executive secretary for the superintendant at Union Pacific Railroad where she met the love of her life, Samuel M. Cornelius and they were married February 3, 1951 at St. Peters Cathedral in KCK.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother of 9 children and spent her years as a dedicated Homemaker. She volunteered and was a member of numerous organizations including Altar & Rosary Society, St. Cecilia Circle, Eucharistic Adoration, Devine Mercy, St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, Room Mother, Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Marian Awards leader, all at Queen of the Holy Rosary School and Parish. She also was a Eucharistic Minister at Shawnee Mission Hospital and volunteered many years as a Poll worker during election season.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; Margaret Flaherty Sheehan and Daniel Leo Flaherty, her brothers; Tommy Flaherty, Edward Flaherty, and sister; Mary Pat Kline, and her husband of 60 years; Samuel M. Cornelius. She is survived by her children; Dan Cornelius and wife, Linda of Wichita, KS; Beverly and husband, Mitch Henry, of Scottsdale, AZ; Mary Deborah and husband, Richard Monterubio, of St. Louis, MO; Gregory Cornelius and wife, Susan of Overland Park, KS; Sandy Edwards of Overland Park, KS; Richard Cornelius of Kansas City, KS; Cheryl and husband, Bill Padek of Overland Park, KS; Marcia and husband, Gary Baker of Overland Park, KS; and Karen and Michael Leitner of Glen Carbon, IL. She is also survived by her grandchildren; John, Missy, Maggie, Jaime, Corde, Steven, Jake, Katie, Kara, Gracie, Ted, Sam, Paul, Parker, Joel, Macie, Will, Anna, & Emma.

The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, November 21, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, KS 66204. Visitation will follow from 10:00-11:00 AM with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow Mass at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. Contributions may be made to Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church or Catholic Charities in Mary Cornelius’ memory.