Mary Brown

Mary Elizabeth Brown (Beth), 74, of Lee's Summit, MO, left this life to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, December 27, 2016. Beth was a bright, beautiful and uplifting spirit who made a positive impact on most all she met. A kind, generous, and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, and a loyal and understanding friend to many. Beth was born on Jan. 24, 1942, to Virginia Waddell Staley Walch and John Campbell Staley in Sedalia, MO, where she spent her childhood and attended Sacred Heart primary and secondary schools. Childhood summers, and later many with her family, were spent at Crystal Lake near Stover, MO, at her grandparents' beloved log cabin in the woods. After retirement she and her husband Bill spent much of their summers at Truman Lake fishing, visiting with friends and enjoying their time together there. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her life. She was at her happiest when all of her family was together and she sought to make their lives a joy. She was an outstanding student and received her degree from St. Mary College (now University of St. Mary) in Leavenworth, KS. She went on to have a successful career at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City for 30 years, serving as a Director of Provider Relations at the time of her retirement. Beth was able to use her background in Biology to serve as an articulate intermediary to doctors in the healthcare system. Beth was an active and beloved member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lee's Summit. She loved to read and crochet and was an accomplished seamstress and cook. She also volunteered her skills and time and donated to her church and numerous other charities and causes. Beth had a wonderful group of friends who heartbrokenly rallied around and for her when she became ill. She was known to all as an unselfish, thoughtful, never-judging person who was a great listener and trusted confidante. Survivors include her husband, William R. Brown (Bill), whom she married 53 years ago on June 8 in Sedalia, MO; son, Robert Brown (Ann) of Kansas City; daughter, Amy McVay (Dan), grandson, Ryan and granddaughter, Katy of Lee's Summit; Steven Brown of Kansas City, grandsons, Henry and William; sisters, Ann Messmer (Jim) of Peculiar, MO, and Catherine Vesce (Paul) of Overland Park. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Monte, Rachel, Alexander, Robin, Joe, Amanda, Carey, and Patrick. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Grace Staley who died at birth; grandparents; her beautiful daughter-in-law, Ann; two sisters-in-law and many aunts, uncles and cousins from the Waddell family of her mother's side. A Wake from 10 to 11 a.m. followed immediately by Mass will be held on Monday, Jan. 2, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 SW State Route 150, Lee's Summit, MO 64082. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Luke's Hospice House, whose wonderful caregivers eased her passing, Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the University of St. Mary.