MARY BYRNE

Mary Elizabeth Byrne, 85, transitioned from her earthly life Sunday, August, 24, 2014. She was born the third of six girls to Robert and Mildred Byrne on May 31, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and lived most of her life in Kansas City. Upon graduating from Redemptorist High School (where she was crowned homecoming queen) she became an X-ray technician and volunteered for local political campaigns. She made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Jackson County Democratic Committee, but later said that losing the election was a blessing because it opened up a long and successful career spanning four decades as a lobbyist for the City of Kansas City to the Missouri State Legislature. Mary was a people person who rarely turned down a cocktail, a card game, or a trip to a casino. She was the life of every party and became known as Aunt Zaz to her eclectic extended family dubbed "The Wild Bunch," which includes 31 adoring nieces and nephews and all those who adopted her as their aunt. Mary lived loudly and proudly and twice defeated bouts with cancer. In retirement she became a devoted volunteer at the Little Sisters of the Poor home in Kansas City. Mary was preceded in death by her sisters Helen Snowden, Patricia Sweeny, and Roberta Cosgrove North and brothers-in-law William Cosgrove, Thomas Sweeny and Richard Skuce. She is survived by her sisters Mickey Storey (John), and Peggy Skuce; 31 nieces and nephews; and a legion of devoted friends and colleagues. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd, Overland Park, KS where friends may call from 9-10 a.m. Burial in Queen of the Holy Rosary Cemetery, Wea, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Center. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444) Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory