Mary Ella Maiden, age 76, of Leawood, KS, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2014 in Kansas City, MO surrounded by family.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Mary and Richard Heldt; her grandson, Jake Heldt; and a large extended family originally from Madisonville, TX. She also had many close friends she considered her family from all aspects of her life.
Services will be held at Cure’ of Ars Church, Leawood KS. Viewing Friday, November 21, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., with Mass Saturday November 22, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow.
Mary was born in Kansas City, MO, the only child of Paul Mullens and Winnie Matthews-Mullens. Her father died tragically when she was five. Her mother then married Bill Heathcott whom Mary called “Daddy”. She was preceded in death by Joseph Maiden (1st husband) and Elliott V. Foulds (2nd husband).
Mary was known for her kind and generous spirit. She was always helping people, bringing gifts and cheer, and giving of her time. She often said “I’ve lived more in 20 years than most people do in a lifetime.” Her closest friends were a group of Irish folk who met to laugh, eat, and play nearly every weekend. With them, Mary was involved in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the early days of what we now know as Irish Fest.
Mary worked for 30+ years in the hospital supply industry at American Hospital Supply, Baxter, and Owens-Minor. During that time, Mary received many service awards and made life-long friends.
Mary retired earlier this year. She enjoyed a lovely trip to Ireland with her daughter as well as a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks to visit a dear friend. Many more trips were planned but cut short when Mary was diagnosed with cancer in October.
Beyond work, Mary was an active member of Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church, serving as Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, as well as ministering at The Forum for many years.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many friends for their love and support as well as to Kansas City Hospice and Sister Servants of Mary.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Sister Servants of Mary, Kansas City, Kansas; the Cure’ of Ars “Our Time in History” fund; or Kansas City Hospice House.
Ms. Mary, You will be greatly missed my Irish friend. I enjoyed knowing you as a co-worker and friend.
To your family, know that Mary is sitting at the feet of God & making him smile as she made all of us smile
Much love
Sue Morris
Heaven is happy to have you Miss Mary. Although I only knew you for a short time, before you retired from Owens & Minor, I will always remember you. God bless the family and freinds. With fond memories, Lori
We will miss those blue eyes and wonderful smile.
Rest In Peace Mary
Our sincere condolences at the passing of Mary. She was a delightful lady with a contagious smile to go with her brilliant red hair. It’s been great seeing her all these years at “Sheehan’s” & we are now especially glad we got the opportunity to travel to Ireland together. Dia dhuit. God bless Mary.
Our hearts are sad at the loss of our dear friend. We will miss her sparkling blue eyes and infectious laugh. God speed, Mary.
I always remember her deep blue eyes and compassionate caring when she lived out in California she was a great person to be witH and indeed each year she lived was like five and loving life.She accomplished so much and had lots of people around her.I remember her with her partner Elliot who along with her Irish and his Scottish bloodline combination were always a party.