Elizabeth Ann Theresa Dietrich

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Elizabeth Dietrich Obituary

Name: Visitation for Elizabeth Ann Theresa Dietrich
Start: 2019-11-16T16:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Mark's Catholic Church

Elizabeth (Thielen) Dietrich Elizabeth went to meet her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Nov. 2, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial: 11am, Nov. 16, St. Mark's Catholic Church, 3736 Lee's Summit Rd., Independence. Visit: 10am. Arr: Speaks Suburban Chapel

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Published by Kansas City Star on Nov. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Dietrich

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

2 Entries

November 15, 2019

I met and befriended Elizabeth in 2003 at St. Mark's Catholic Church. When she learned of my involvement with Hope House, she invited me to speak to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

I had the honor and privilege of enjoying Elizabeth's company and that of the beautiful women of the DCCW over the next few years.

Elizabeth was a joy to be with. Full of love and energy and devotion. She was an inspiration.

Elizabeth called me one day and told me about a dream she had to fill shoeboxes with toiletries and small gifts to be given to the women at Hope House. That dream became reality. The first year, the boxes could be packed into my car and one other. The following year, a van was required; in subsequent years, several vans were required. More shelters became beneficiaries.

What a gift knowing Elizabeth has been, to my life and so many others.

I include an excerpt from The Catholic Key:

The idea came to her in the middle of the night five years ago. Elizabeth Dietrich, then-province director of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, had been searching for a charitable cause all Catholic women in the diocese could get behind.

It struck her that when women and children fled domestic violence they often had only 15 minutes to get out, taking nothing but the clothes on their backs. How could she, and the DCCW, help? Dietrich suggested the group donate to a "shoebox shower" during Lent for those victims of domestic violence by filling a shoebox with small items for a mother or child including toiletries, small toys or first aid items. The shoeboxes would be donated to local shelters for battered women and children.

Word spread, and the idea caught fire throughout the DCCW, schools, parishes, businesses and other organizations. That first year, more than 500 boxes and bags filled to bursting with personal care items, toys, clothing and goodies were delivered to the Catholic Chancery for distribution to Hope House, Newhouse and Rose Brooks Center.
The shoebox showers grew bigger each year.
Dietrich, a member of the DCCW Board of Directors and editor of the newsletter, was invited to give a presentation, highlighting the shoebox shower and other projects, at the 2006 convention of the National Council of Catholic Women. The Lenten project of the Kansas City-St. Joseph DCCW was picked up by local DCCW chapters nationwide.

During Lent 2008, more than 2000 shoeboxes, clear plastic storage boxes and bags were distributed to Kansas City area shelters.

http://catholickey.com/index.php3?gif=news.gif&mode=view&issue=20080912&article_id=5266

Thank you, Elizabeth, for all you gave in your life well-lived.

--Kathy Biagioli

November 11, 2019

Elizabeth, with her cheery disposition, and sense of humor was a blessing to work with in the 30 plus years with the World Apostolate of Fatima; she will be greatly missed! She served in several positions, including President, Secretary, and Publicity Chairman. She always had good ideas for spreading the message of Our Lady at Fatima, and was a talented and consistent worker to bring them about. She was a strong supporter of the celebration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and the Grandchildren's party, and the Annual Rosaries for Peace and Life Rally. She enjoyed pilgrimages, and planned many, including a 5-day trip to shrines on the East Coast. Not only did she share her time but was also generous in sharing material help
She was also very active in the Diocesan Counsel of Catholic Women , working on many events with them, and was involved helping the Franciscan Sisters in Independence.
Her family was always No. 1 with her, and she often referred to members as My (name) and was excited about visits and contacts with each of them.
We have been fortunate to have shared in the many years of her life. She is now reaping the rewards of her dedication to the Catholic Church and its many graces for those who believe in its mission.
Dee Harkins, former president, Kansas City-St. Joseph Division of the World Apostolate of Fatima.

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