HANDLEY, Mary Mildred (Cunningham) 1916–2007

HANDLEY, CUNNINGHAM, SHEA

Posted By: Brian Cunningham (email)
Date: 12/9/2024 at 21:33:22

Mary Handley Obituary

KING CITY, Mo. - Mary Mildred (Cunningham) Handley, 90, King City, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2007, peacefully at her home in King City, with her loving husband, Larry nearby.

Mary was born at Iola, Kan. the third child of George F. Cunningham from Waukon, Iowa and Hannah Shea from Clyde, Mo. Her grandparents hailed from County Cork, Ireland. Her parents homesteaded in the Dakotas in the early 1900's before moving to Kansas and then to Stanberry, Mo. to be near her maternal grandmother, Bridget Shea and uncle, Patrick Shea.

Mary attended Crosswhite Rural School, Stanberry High School, and graduated from NWMSU, Maryville, Mo. Mary taught at one-room schools and later at Stanberry Elementary. During World War II she worked in Kansas City, Mo. for the Social Security Administration.

Mary was a church and Alter Society member of St. Peter's (Stanberry) and St. Patrick's (Ford City) Catholic Churches.

Mary was a career woman, teacher, wife and mother of five children. She set a high standard for her children. She was always there with encouragement and love.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George Cunningham and Hannah Shea; sister, Dorthea Maher; brother, John G. Cunningham.

Surviving are her husband, Larry of King City; and her five children and 12 grandchildren. Dr. Dennis and Kathy Handley of Booneville, Mo., and children, Stephen and Robyn; Dr. Patrick Handley and wife Dr. Melanie Dean of Kansas City, and children, Lauren and Shea; Ann and Gary Slaybaugh of Knoxville, Tenn. and children, Tiffany and Michael; Mary Lou and Alan Livingston of Kona, Hawii, and children, Megan, Kyla, and Trey; and John and Mischelle Handley of Olathe, Kan., and children, Sean, Trevor, and Zane.

Mary was a loving and generous person. Mary Had a brilliant mind for finding positive solutions and a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed by family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, St. Peter Catholic Church in Stanberry, with Rev. Daniel Petache, OSB celebrant. Visitation: The family will receive friends from Monday, May 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Gibson Funeral Home with Parish rosary following at 7:30 p.m. Internment: St. Patrick Cemetery, Ford City.

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 28, 2007.