Search by Name

Search by Name

MARY BIERSMITH Obituary

Mary Jo Monahan Biersmith, 72, of Overland Park, KS, passed away September 19, 2011 at her home. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. followed by funeral Mass at 11 a.m., Saturday September 24, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 6415 Holmes, Kansas City, MO. Mary Jo was born on December 18, 1938 in Kansas City, MO, to Hugh and Elizabeth Monahan. She graduated from Lillis High School and continued her education at Mount St. Scholastica. She went on to get her Master's degree in special education at UMKC. She taught at St. Peter's and in the Independence School District for over 25 years. Mary Jo was an avid traveler, even though she had no sense of direction, a gifted athlete and competitive tennis player who often beat players half her age and a wonderful cook who made the best meatballs in the world. She is survived by her children and their families, Carolyn (Vince) McCarthy, David Biersmith Jr., Chris Biersmith, Beth (Marty) McCarthy, John Biersmith, Kurt Biersmith; grandchildren Alex, Luke, Jack, Brady, and Katie McCarthy. In addition, she is survived by her sister Kay Smith and her brother Michael Monahan. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to: Sisters, Servants of Mary, 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS, 66102. Cremation Center of Kansas City, 4926 Johnson Dr, Shawnee Mission, KS. 66205, 913-384-5566

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Sep. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for MARY BIERSMITH

Not sure what to say?





Julie Sano

September 29, 2011

Dear Biersmith family,
You don't know me but I used to take Spinning class with your mom. I always tried to grab the bike next to hers so we could talk through the entire class. We even got yelled at by a crabby classmate once because we disturbed the class! She was so much fun and often told me stories about you all. I am so sorry for your loss. You had a great mom.

September 25, 2011

To Biersmith Family I am very saddened by your loss. I recently moved back to KC from CA and everytime I drive up 65th St I would think of your Mom and family. I could still almost hear the sounds of Camp Cracker Jack! She will surely be missed. Tim Brice

September 24, 2011

Dear Biersmith Family,
My Mom, Catherine Atchity, was a dear friend of Mary Jo's Mom. Mom wanted me to send her condolences to all of you. She said your Mary Jo was a wonderful daughter and she is so sad that you have lost her.
Sincerely, Kathy Atchity Coco
St. Louis, MO

Joyce Randall

September 23, 2011

Dear Biersmith Siblings,
I taught with your mom for years in Independence. Mary Jo made every day so much brighter for students and for her colleagues. She was just a terrific person and loved by so many. I am so sorry for your loss but take comfort in knowing she watches over you from Heaven!

Jennifer Lee

September 23, 2011

Beth, Marty and kids - we are so sad to hear about your Mom's passing. She must have been a special lady if she was your Mom, Beth. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have. Prayers to you and your entire family. Bryan, Jenny, Aidan & Nora Lee

Patty Simmons

September 23, 2011

ben and i were sad to hear of maryjo's passing. she was an amazing teacher to students and colleagues alike. i was so uplifted when she would talk about helping her high school kids learn to read for the first time. may her family know that her love of learning and laughter touched so many lives.

Katie Glaser

September 23, 2011

I have not seen Mary Jo since we graduated from college, but I remember her with fondness. My sympathies for your loss.

Callie and Bobby Streich

September 23, 2011

I only had the privilege of working with MJ for one year, but her friendship and humor have been with me since we met. Almost seven years later, I still quote her funny sayings and anecdotes. There is so much I admire about her. She was even instrumental in getting my husband and I together. (MJ, you'd be glad to know our first child didn't spontaneously combust.)
I pray the family finds peace and joy in sharing memories.
~Callie(Phillips) and Bobby Streich

Betty Anderson

September 22, 2011

Mary Jo was a wndeful person and teacher.. She made kids feel special and made all of us that taught with her laugh and want to be better teachers. I rememember when she would come to my room on the second floor of Bridger and then have no idea how to get back to her room.. She did have no sense of direction. She often talked about her kids and you could tell she was very proud of all of you.I am so sorry for your loss.
Betty Lou Anderson

September 22, 2011

The world just lost one of its Shining Stars, She was Joy and Happiness. She will be missed
Love
Kirk and Mary Lou Powell

Paul Biersmith

September 22, 2011

Uncle Dave and family. Mary Jo was the greatest god mother a kid could have to growing up. She always made me feel special with gifts at Christmas and birthdays. I still have the photo of her and my godfather Tom Rafter outside Christ the King at my baptism. She was a great lady and a wonderful mom. Though she is gone I still see her in everyone of you guys. Paul

September 22, 2011

To the family, Sorry to hear about your Mom. We were a special group of cousins that were together most Sundays at our grandparents(DePascos). Our moms were sisters. Mary Jo and I were just two weeks apart. We've all carried on the making of meatballs. Prayers & blessings to all of you. Jo Ann Elting Murphy Ft. Worth, Tx.

Rachel Remley/Johnson

September 22, 2011

Your mother, grandmother and Sister, was my life saver and teacher. She changed my life in so many ways. Everyday I use the skills she taught me, so in a way everyday Mrs. MaryJo Biersmith is with me. I spent 5 summers and 4 years with her, nearly everyday, she taught me how to read! She was an amazing women and taught me how to stand up for myself, I will always be greatful. I will never forget her, she is and always will be in my heart.

julie biersmith

September 22, 2011

Dear LIL' David, Beth & ALL. I am in CALIFORNIA~~ For My GRANMOTHERS=90th birthday Party!! Heard about your (((((MOM)))))). I am so sorry! My heart & prayers go out to you!!!I am going to miss THE SERVICEs,But please know... I LOVE YOU ALL & MISS YOU!! She was a FANTASTIC LADY!! I GOT TO VISIT With HER QUITE ALOT, WHEN WE WOULD MEET UP AT RADOM PLACEs out and ABOUT!! FUN FUN ConversationS!! HUGE HUGs!! HUG EACH OTHER FOR ME!! AND, know I am THERE in SPIRIT~ OK!! LOVE YOU Guys.........

September 22, 2011

Carolyn and Family, We are very sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers. Nanci and Peter McCarthy

September 22, 2011

Dear Biersmith Clan, I am grateful to John for notifying me of Mary Jo's death. What a wonderful woman!! I always admired her dedication to her faith, to her family, and to teaching. She had a unique perspective on life and embraced struggles as well as joys in the spirit of one who KNOWS. Mary Jo had a great sense of humor (you would need that raising a crowd of Biersmith children) and a deep faithfulness to her beliefs. She will be missed, but I can't imagine her NOT continuing to watch over and protect you all, her family.
Sr. Johanna Burnell

September 22, 2011

My heart broke when I heard the sad news. I worked with Mary Jo for many years. I was amazed at her dedication to her students and teaching them the skills of reading. She touched and changed so many lives including mine. She was a good friend - after she retired and heard of my husband's death, she came to his funeral - I'll never forget her. Among many of her talents, she had the ability to make people laugh. My prayers will be with her family at this very painful and sad time.

Molly Halverson

Jean Luzader

September 22, 2011

I had the privilege of teaching with Mary Jo. I certainly didn't have the life long experience with her that many did, but her joy, sense of humor and commitment to her students were and honor to behold. Your family is in my prayers.

Greg Wickham

September 22, 2011

So sorry to hear about your loss. I've taught at Truman for the past 16 years, and Mary Jo was one of my favorite people I've ever worked with. Your family is in the thoughts and prayers of all of us who were fortunate enough to have worked with her.

September 22, 2011

Beth and all, I'm so saddened to hear about your mother.I taught along side her for several years, and have many wonderful memories. I truly loved her. May God be with you.
Michal Ratkewicz

September 22, 2011

Beth and all,
So saddened to hear about your Mom. Many memories through the years! Wishing you peace and praying for you all as you go through this difficult time.
Cathy Holmes McLane

September 22, 2011

Beth and all ...So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing..many memories over the years! Thinking of you and praying for you all during this difficult time.
Cathy Holmes McLane

September 22, 2011

Dear Carolyn & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know these months have been difficult for you all. Our prayers have been with you. Your mom was a great person-so full of laughter. Peace to you & your family. Jennifer & Chris Petree

Ellen Kelly Daley

September 22, 2011

Dear Carolyn, David, Chris, Beth, John, and Kurt,
My deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom from the past 40 years that I could write a book! She's an amazing woman and I will forever hold her in my heart.
May God give you peace and comfort.
Love, Ellen Kelly Daley

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in MARY BIERSMITH's name

Memorial Events
for MARY BIERSMITH

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support MARY's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor MARY BIERSMITH's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more