Mary Lu McBride

Mary Lu McBride (Webster), 91, of Lee's Summit, Mo., passed away February 8, 2023. Mary Lu was born July 3, 1931, to Joseph George Webster, MD and Martha Pearl Webster (Youngberg). Mary Lu was a 1949 graduate of Notre Dame de Sion in Kansas City, where she was active in a variety of language, sports, theater and artistic activities. She became fluent in French.

Mary Lu attended the University of Colorado where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, studying abroad in France. She graduated in 1953 majoring in Political Science with an Education Minor. Upon returning to Kansas City, Mary Lu taught at Notre Dame de Sion preschool and kindergarten and taught 8th grade English and social studies in the Johnson County, Kansas, Corinth district.

She married James Douglas McBride on June 4, 1955. Mary Lu was a mother and a homemaker and Jim had a successful 50-plus-year career at Paine Webber. Mary Lu and Jim raised five children in a household that always included many pets, finding time to competitively show dogs, snow ski, swim, and play tennis. Mary Lu seriously took up painting in the 1980's, making many friends in the art community and enjoying exhibiting and selling her works. She had an interest in collecting antique jewelry, and opened a booth in an antique mall. Mary Lu and Jim were longtime members of Visitation Catholic Church, and later Saint Thomas More. Mary Lu was an active member of the Junior League of Kansas City where she regularly volunteered and taught nursery school. Mary Lu and Jim held memberships at the Carriage Club and the University Club and had a second home in Vail, Colorado for 25 years.

Mary Lu was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jim. She is survived by her loving children, James, Jr. (Elizabeth), Martha, Mary, Joseph (Stacey), and Julia, eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mary Lu is remembered for her grace, kindness and creativity. She lived at John Knox Village for a decade, making many friends. As her mobility lessened, she moved to the care center. She spent hours reading whatever she could, enjoying interacting with the staff. The family is thankful to all John Knox staff who cared for her.

Visitation will be held at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kansas City, Mo. on July 7 at at 10 a.m. with mass at 11 a.m. The family suggests donations to American Hearing Research Foundation or KC Pet Project.