McNELLIS, S.L. Loretto Sister Mary McNellis died July 23, 2012, at home in Kansas City, MO. She was 102 years old on March 6, 2012. She was born in Kansas City, MO, to Anthony McNellis and Hanna McFadden McNellis. Sr. Mary is survived by 25 nieces and nephews and their families. After graduation from high school, Mary entered the Sisters of Loretto at Nerinx, KY. For more than 50 years Sr. Mary taught in parochial schools in Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Kentucky. She completed her Bachelor degree at Webster College in St. Louis and Masters at Catholic University in Washington, DC. In 1972 Sr. Mary became coordinator of Kansas City Crisis. She later worked at the new Loretto Academy on Wornall Road. After retiring from teaching on 1980, Sr. Mary worked in Montessori programs and in the Department of Social Ministries of Catholic Charities. She was also involved in the development of Ecumedia. Sr. Mary officially retired again in 1991, but continued to work for peace and justice. She and other Loretto nuns went to the Netherlands in 1999 for the Hague Appeal for Peace Conference. In 2000 Sr. Mary was selected to be the Kansas City Citizen of the Year and was recognized at the Mayor's Annual United Nations Event. Sister Mary was a regular participant at peace demonstrations at the J.C. Nichols Fountain. She served on the UN Association Board and the boards of the World Federalists, League of Women Voters, Interfaith Peace Alliance and Catholics for Justice. In 2004 she received the Charles Bebb Peace Merit Award from PeaceWorks KC. Sr. Mary worked with the Youth and Militarism Committee of the American Friends Service Committee and was part of the planning of the annual Troost Festival in the neighborhood where she lived since 1977. Services will be at St. James Catholic Church, 39th and Harrison/Troost on Sat., July 28. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., with a Wake Service and sharing of memories at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Graveside following in St. Mary's Cemetery, 23rd and Cleveland. Sister Mary has said that she greatly appreciated the support of her Loretto Sisters-especially for the education, travel and other advantages she received. She said that she "always knew God loved her and forgave her." Online condolences may be left atwww.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111, 816-753-6200 www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com
Published in Kansas City Star on July 26, 2012
Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=mary-mcnellis-sr-cornelia&pid=158750048&fhid=11272#storylink=cpy