Elaine “Susie” Frances McKown (née Kotzias)

Aug 2, 2019 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2019 | 7 comments

Elaine “Susie” Frances McKown (née Kotzias), 71, of Prairie Village, Kansas passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2019 in Kansas City, MO.

Susie was born on October 4, 1947 in Kansas City, MO. As the firstborn of Harry and Irene Kotzias’ five children, Susie’s birth brought immense joy to her parents and established her place as a charismatic and beloved big sister to her younger siblings.

While visiting relatives in Rapid City, South Dakota as a young girl, Elaine was called “Susie” by an uncle; from then on, everyone called her by her nickname. Years later as an adult, Susie embraced the gift of being named after both of her grandmothers and preferred to be called by Elaine.

Susie attended Notre Dame de Sion Elementary School in Kansas City, making many lifetime friends. She was a graduate of Southwest High School, where she excelled in art and creative pursuits. She was a lifelong and active member of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church where she was loved for her smile, her talent, and her willingness to help.

Her mother often commented that Susie saw beauty in everything, a gift she displayed throughout her life. Susie, always free spirited and passionate, expressed her life view through her art and the many beautiful things she created and treasured. Susie excelled in any and all artistic media without fail —oil painting, watercolor, batik, pottery, decoupage, paper mâché, and so much more. She had the heart and hands of a true artist.

Susie was a generous and giving soul with a real zest for life. Her joy in seeking out and finding the perfect gift for family and friends was evident when you saw how much she loved to give, and how much satisfaction she found in the happiness of those who were the lucky recipients of her beautiful and perfectly presented gifts.

To the innumerable family and friends whom she loved, Susie leaves a lasting legacy of beauty, art, joy, humor, and cherished memories. She will be missed by all who loved her and are heartbroken by her loss. Susie will be remembered for the uniqueness that made her the special person she was, her creative and effervescent spirit, and all the love she shared.

Susie was preceded in death by husband, Larry R. McKown, her precious son, Peter H. McKown, and her loving parents, Harry Basil Kotzias and Irene Ramos Kotzias. She is survived by her siblings, Mary Takach (Joe, deceased), William H. Kotzias, Christine Kotzias Garvey (Pat), George H. Kotzias (Cathy) as well as many nieces, nephews and family members.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7th at Mount Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home at 10507 Homes Road, Kansas City, MO from 6pm-8pm with a Trisagion service at 7:30pm. Her Memorial Service will take place on Thursday, August 8th at 10 am at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 12001 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Kansas City.

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Sophie Karen Ramos

3 years ago

I will miss you dear friend, Until we meet again. Memory eternal

Virginia Frank

3 years ago

Susie, I am filled with a lifetime of deep hearted memories. You have always been a part of my life and I will miss you.

With great sadness, Your Koumbara and friend,
Virginia Sogas Frank

Connie McGuire

3 years ago

I am so very sorry to read of the passing of your Sister Christine.
Love and courage in the following days.
A Sisters love will always be with you..

Love,
Connie McGuire

Pastor Mina Holmes

3 years ago

What a beautiful home going tribute to Elaine.. I met her in her final weeks through Mary Tacash my dear friend. What a sweet soul that is now in heaven with her new glorified body. Seeing Jesus face to face I could only imagine the look on Elaine face. The God of all comfort , comfort the souls of you all like only He can. May the Lord Jesus grant you peace and rejoicing during this time of your breavement. Heaven received one more soul. Thank you Jesus. Ask Him into your ? today as your Savior if you haven’t done so already. John 3:16, Romans 8;9,10 . He is waiting

Lauren P. Kirk

3 years ago

Wish I could be there to celebrate your life, Aunt Susie. Thank you for always helping instill in us the importance, significance and lasting impression of art. May your memory be eternal.

georgia ferretti

3 years ago

Will always remember precious memories of sleep overs and drive-in movies…so much fun from our youth. May our Lord keep you in his tender loving care till we meet again!

Paula Thompson Staton

2 months ago

Susie and I went to Sion together and then to Southwest HS together also Many laughs Senior year in study hall when we both chatted the entire time She was such a nice and fun loving gal Sorry we lost touch and deeply sorry to find out she is gone
RIP Susie

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