Mary Frances Wills

Mary F. Wills passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13th, 2017, at the age of 97. She lived a long and fruitful life. She was born on June 6, 1919, to Catherine Finneran Mooney and Patrick J. Mooney, immigrants from Ireland. She grew up in Ventnor, New Jersey, and was very proud of her 100% Irish-Catholic heritage.

Mary was a brilliant student, who skipped two grades in elementary school, and was the youngest of her high school graduating class. She was united in marriage to Joseph E. Wills on September 27, 1941, and from that union, four children were born. Mary and Joe relocated to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1950, after Joe was transferred by Trans World Airlines and where they made their home throughout their life together. They were able to travel throughout the U.S., Japan, Europe and the Middle East. Mary and Joe were married 61 years until his death in 2002.

She was a 65-plus year member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and dedicated her life to their many ministries. After a serious accident involving two of her grandchildren, she co-founded Queen’s prayer chain over 25 years ago with her dear friend, Therese Wilkes. She volunteered throughout her children’s education, served at St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, managed the church’s funeral luncheons, sung in the choir, and worked at Catholic Charities. She was involved in almost every aspect of her church. Through her commitments, Mary developed many dear, lifelong friends, who she enjoyed meeting for Happy Hour, playing bridge, and going to movies, plays and concerts. Mary also performed her civic duty by working at election poll locations for many years.

Waiting until after her children were raised, she realized her life-long dream to attend and graduate from college, which she accomplished with honors. She began taking classes at Donnelly Jr. College, where she graduated Phi Theta Kappa, the junior college equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa. From there, she continued her education at Avila College. Mary graduated Magna Cum Laude at the age of 62 walking across the stage in the presence of her family. Although she didn’t use her degree, she marked it as one of her greatest accomplishments.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; husband, Joe; son-in-law, Jack Waters; brother, John Mooney and sister-in-law, Margie; and brothers-in-law, Bill Butler, Jim Baird and Jim Collins. She is survived by her sisters, Kay Collins and Peggy Butler-Baird both of Wilmington, DE; her son, Dennis Wills (Diana Perry); daughters, Claudia Waters, Diane Garrett (Bob), and Deborah. Mary is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren (with one on the way), and many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 20th, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Private entombment at Resurrection Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to either Queen of the Holy Rosary Church or to Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhoge.com Arr: McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.