Regina Maloney

Regina Ellen Maloney, 69, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024, after battling appendix cancer for over five years. She was at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care with her loving family by her side. Regina was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph M. and Mary E. (Burke) Maloney. She is survived by six siblings: John (Linda) Maloney, Kathy (Ken) Wissel, Joe (Betty) Maloney, Tim Maloney, Mary (Steve) Sears, and Tom (Tiffanie) Maloney. Regina was the undisputed favorite aunt of 19 nieces and nephews and 37 great nieces and nephews.

Regina was born on July 3, 1954, to a proud Irish family as the fourth of Joseph and Mary Maloney’s seven children. She attended Christ the King Catholic Grade School and graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1972. Her senior year she was voted Miss Hogan High in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the high school. Regina’s school spirit was evident in her fundraising organization, behind-the-scenes work with plays, and creating student class schedules for the administration. Regina’s love of volleyball began in grade school and extended throughout her life as she continued competing at both the high school and college level. She also coached and refereed, sometimes for her own siblings. Regina received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rockhurst College, now Rockhurst University, in 1976. While attending Rockhurst, the Title IX Executive Order passed, and Regina played on the very first Rockhurst Women’s Volleyball Team and was named co-captain. Regina also served as Intramural Director for two years. Throughout her time at Rockhurst, Regina was an avid supporter of all collegiate sports and made it a priority to attend as many games as possible.

Numerous Kansas City businesses benefited from Regina’s accounting expertise throughout her 47 years in the workforce. In 2005, Regina started working at DST, now SS&C, where she was revered for both her professionalism and the personal bonds she established. Regina was dedicated to getting the job done but made time to ask about her coworkers’ lives outside of the office. She was known for making individual connections inside and outside of the company, often finding six degrees of separation or less with people she encountered. Her coworkers regularly expressed their gratitude for her eagerness to help and willingness to take on tough challenges as a Senior Financial Analyst.

Regina was a Kansas City sports enthusiast to her core and loyally supported all the local teams over the years. Throughout her life, Regina was fortunate to witness two Royals World Series and four Chiefs Super Bowl victories. Regina was a season ticket holder of both the Royals and Chiefs for over 20 years. After attending the Royals 2014 Wild Card game that sent the team to the playoffs and then the World Series for the first time since 1985, she described it as the most exciting sporting event of her life. Regina even traveled to Cooperstown, New York to witness George Brett’s induction into The Baseball Hall of Fame. Regina also loved the arts and had season tickets to Starlight Theatre since 1980. She consistently and generously extended invitations to family and friends so she could share these experiences with them.

Family meant everything to Regina and one of her favorite passions was supporting her cherished nieces and nephews in all their interests, from plays to sports. She was rarely seen without a camera around her neck as she documented their activities and accomplishments. She had a true gift for making every child feel special and valued, often being called Aunt Regina by those even outside her family. Regina also shared her joy of travel with her nieces and nephews, taking trips to New York, Washington DC, Boston, Florida, Texas, and everywhere in between. Regina was asked to serve as a chaperone on several of her nephews’ senior trips and attended many out-of-town games and tournaments as well. She was a constant, loving presence in their lives.

Before Regina was transferred to hospice care, her beloved Aunt Helen visited her in the hospital where Regina shared her last words, which were “I love you.” Regina inspired her family and friends with the way she lived. She was purposeful, generous, determined, and kind. Her beautiful smile and fierce spirit will be missed by all those who grieve her passing, most especially her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4th from 5-8 PM at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 East 75th Street, Kansas City, MO. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 5th at 10 AM at St. Elizabeth, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145 (kchospice.org). Regina’s family was profoundly comforted by the compassionate and dignified care she received at both KU Medical Center and Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.  If you would like to love-stream the service the link is https://studio.youtube.com/video/TUM-ugx1CAg/livestreaming

An Irish Blessing
May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine on your windowpane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.