Mary Schneider Watkins

1942 - 2024

Mary Schneider Watkins

December 17, 1942 - October 31, 2024

Kansas City, Missouri - After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Mary crossed the rainbow bridge on October 31, 2024. She will be so missed, but at last she is finally free.

Mary saw the world through her camera lens. Her photography includes the best versions of people, places, and events in and around Kansas City. You may remember being "enthusiastically directed" by her on occasion. Mary's body of work is being archived by UMKC Library Collections.

Mary was co-founder of "The Learning Exchange," recognized by Barbara Bush at its 25th anniversary in 1997. Her green thumb was evident in her colorful flower garden, and the reforestation of her Roanoke neighborhood with 141 trees. She contributed her energy, photos, and heart to AIDS WALK KC for over a quarter of a century. She documented the Jewel Ball for decades. She was a member of the "Pembroke Film Club," enjoying everything about it (except the movies). An ensemble member of "The Play Readers of Kansas City" she was most notable for her theatrical curtsy. Indeed, she was a character. Years ago she suggested that her obit should simply read, "Mary Watkins died. Darn it!"

Daughter of Steve F. and Betty Welsh Schneider of Springfield, MO, Mary is survived by her brothers Steve and Greg. She is predeceased by her sisters Sue and Cathy.

She is survived by Curt, her husband of sixty years whom she met while playing basketball at age fourteen; her children Tuc and Courtney; and her grandkids Mary Charles, Catchen, and Curtis.

She was a Mizzou Tiger, a Kappa Alpha Theta, a third-grade teacher, an author, member of The Junior League, and an entrepreneur submitting her unsolicited resume to NASA's Space Shuttle Program for the nonexistent position of "Cruise Director." She listed her qualifying skills to include: playing spoons, tennis, and Crazy Eights "like a pro"; cooking up chocolate chip cookies, brisket, and big ideas; and knowing parts of some of the verses to "God Bless America." What she lacked in tonal quality, she made up for in volume.

A loving village came together when Mary needed more help. Thanks to the people at Santa Marta, especially Christina, Maddie, Kidest, and John. The remarkable people with Catholic Care Community Hospice, especially Kelly, Amanda, Jami, and Siarah. Good pal Natalie Blackwood Thiede, who took her on all those great field trips; and Walter Trice, a gentle man of good humor and great compassion.

As inscribed on a plaque in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre: Mary is our music and our muse.

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Roanoke Park Conservancy:

www.roanokeparkkc.com.

or.

Alzheimer and Dementia Research Fund:

www.kumc.edu.

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More at www.reflectionsmemorialservices.com including photos.